avocado

[ av-uh-kah-doh, ah-vuh- ]

noun

, plural av·o·ca·dos.

1. Also called alligator pear. a large, usually pear-shaped fruit having green to blackish skin, a single large seed, and soft, light-green pulp, borne by the tropical American tree Persea americana and its variety P. adrymifolia, often eaten raw, especially in salads.
2. the tree itself.

avocado

/ ˌævəˈkɑːdəʊ /

noun

1. a pear-shaped fruit having a leathery green or blackish skin, a large stony seed, and a greenish-yellow edible pulp
2. the tropical American lauraceous tree, Persea americana, that bears this fruit
3. 1. a dull greenish colour resembling that of the fruit
   2. (as modifier)

      an avocado bathroom suite

Word History and Origins

Origin of avocado¹

1690–1700; alteration of Spanish abogado literally, lawyer ( advocate ), by confusion with Mexican Spanish aguacate < Nahuatl āhuacatl avocado, testicle; alligator pear

Word History and Origins

Origin of avocado¹

C17: from Spanish aguacate, from Nahuatl ahuacatl testicle, alluding to the shape of the fruit

Example Sentences

Officials also reported more than $6 million in agriculture losses from the fire, which burned through avocado, citrus and raspberry fields, according to Korinne Bell, Ventura County’s agricultural commissioner.

From Los Angeles Times

She reported 500 acres of avocado trees damaged or destroyed, 130 acres of citrus trees and 10 acres of raspberries, as well as 2,500 acres used for livestock grazing.

From Los Angeles Times

We might order something light since it’s getting late like some avocado cucumber sushi.

From Los Angeles Times

One of mine loves to sit down and get the avocado toast.

From Los Angeles Times

The tiny raised beds in the Blacks’ backyard produced lackluster harvests, if anything at all, because they were tucked under large fig and avocado trees, McLaughlin said.

From Los Angeles Times