Cumquats

/ˈkʌmkwɒts/ noun

Definition

Plural of cumquat; multiple small citrus fruits with sweet rinds and sour interiors, from alternative spelling of kumquat.

Etymology

Plural of 'cumquat,' an older English transliteration of Chinese 'kam kwat' (golden orange); the '-s' plural marker follows standard English pluralization conventions.

Kelly Says

Food words are among the most interesting to track because they show exactly when cultures first encountered each other—the fact that we have two spellings of kumquat shows English speakers learning about this fruit at different times from different Asian regions.

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