monkeypot

or mon·key pot

[ muhng-kee-pot ]

noun

1. the woody, operculate seed vessel of any of certain large South American trees of the genus Lecythis.
2. the tree itself.
3. a cylindrical or barrel-shaped vessel used for cooling water.

monkeypot

/ ˈmʌŋkɪˌpɒt /

noun

1. any of various tropical trees of the genus Lecythis: family Lecythidaceae
2. the large urn-shaped pod of any of these trees, formerly used to catch monkeys by baiting it with sugar
3. a melting pot used in making flint glass

Word History and Origins

Origin of monkeypot¹

First recorded in 1840–50; monkey + pot ¹