quince

[ kwins ]

noun

1. either of two small trees, Cydonia oblonga or C. sinensis, of the rose family, bearing hard, fragrant, yellowish fruit used chiefly for making jelly or preserves.
2. the fruit of such a tree.

quince

/ kwɪns /

noun

1. a small widely cultivated Asian rosaceous tree, Cydonia oblonga, with pinkish-white flowers and edible pear-shaped fruits
2. the acid-tasting fruit of this tree, much used in preserves
3. AlsoJapanese or flowering quince another name for japonica

Word History and Origins

Origin of quince¹

1275–1325; Middle English quince, apparently originally plural (taken as singular) of quyne, coyn < Middle French cooin < Latin cotōneum, akin to cydōnium < Greek ( mêlon ) Kydṓnion quince, literally, (apple) of Cydonia

Word History and Origins

Origin of quince¹

C14 qwince plural of quyn quince, from Old French coin, from Latin cotōneum, from Greek kudōnion quince, Cydonian (apple)

Example Sentences

He also grew pears, figs, quinces, lemons and apples — and oranges.

From Los Angeles Times

Black irises, poppies and flowering quince from her garden adorned vases, shallow banchan dishes and scalloped serving trays.

From New York Times

For his recipes that call for quince, pear can be substituted if preferred.

From Seattle Times

Farmhouses across the nation practically required at least one of the long-lived trees because of quinces’ natural pectin, an important gelling ingredient in preserves.

From Seattle Times

In addition to cleaning houses, she dedicated herself to creating the best cake designs for birthdays, quinces and weddings.

From Los Angeles Times