tomatillo

[ toh-muh-tee-oh, -teel-yoh ]

noun

, plural to·ma·til·loes, to·ma·til·los.

1. a plant, Physalis ixocarpa, of the nightshade family, native to Mexico, having yellow flowers with five blackish spots in the throat and bluish, sticky berries in a purple-veined calyx.

tomatillo

/ tɒməˈtɪləʊ; -ˈtiːjəʊ /

noun

1. a solanaceous plant, Physalis ixocarpa , of South America
2. the greenish-purple fruit of this plant that is a staple in Mexican cuisine Also calledgreen tomato

Word History and Origins

Origin of tomatillo¹

1910–15; < Spanish, diminutive of tomate tomato

Example Sentences

Canned tomatillos make the prep go quickly, but be sure to crush and drain them in a strainer over a bowl before using them.

From Washington Times

It includes breakfast sandwiches with slight uplifts - one comes with avocado and tomatillo along with egg and sausage - desserts such as filled donut-like pastries called McPops, and snacks including pretzel bites.

From BBC

Add the toasted pasilla chiles, tomatillos, onion, garlic, chicken broth, piloncillo, the remaining teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

From Salon

Chalupas are small Mexican antojitos made of tortilla, green tomatillo sauce, chicken or beef.

From Salon

But you’ll also find more stone fruits beginning in July, and through September is the peak season for a wide array of Washington-grown edibles ranging from artichokes to cantaloupe to tomatillos.

From Seattle Times