feijoa

[ fey-yoh-uh, -hoh-uh ]

noun

1. a shrub, Feijoa sellowiana, of the myrtle family, native to South America, bearing edible, greenish, plumlike fruit.
2. the fruit of this shrub.

feijoa

/ fiːˈdʒəʊə /

noun

1. an evergreen myrtaceous shrub, Feijoa sellowiana , of South America
2. the fruit of this shrub

Word History and Origins

Origin of feijoa¹

< New Latin (1858), after João da Silva Feijó (1760–1824), Brazilian soldier and naturalist; -a ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of feijoa¹

C19: from New Latin, named after J. da Silva Feijo , 19th-century Spanish botanist

Example Sentences

When Mr. Matallana-Puerto and Dr. Cardoso scoured the scientific literature, they found previous reports that the feijoa plant was pollinated by birds.

From New York Times

As this might suggest, a little feijoa goes a long way in flavour, and it is surprisingly versatile, appropriate in baking, confectionery, chutney, smoothies, salads and even alcohol.

From The Guardian

As you near the ruins of the estate, note the proliferation of more exotic flora as cactus, feijoa and palm join the more expected eucalyptus and oak.

From Los Angeles Times

If the rats are pollinating the feijoa plants, their behavior is a bit unusual.

From New York Times

In Colombia, the feijoa flowers are found in the tree canopy, without nectar or odor; instead, the rats feed on the petals and forage during the day when the flowers are open and fertile.

From New York Times