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Glite Dictionary
Cydonia oblonga

Cydonia oblonga

9.6
A small Asian tree with pink flowers and pear-shaped fruit used to make jam
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cydonia oblonga
  • Cydonia oblonga is a small tree known for its sweet, pear-shaped fruit that is often used in cooking.

Examples

  • Jellies and preserves made from Cydonia oblonga are popular in many cultures.

  • Farmers have grown Cydonia oblonga in Mediterranean regions for centuries.

  • Cydonia oblonga is prized for both its fragrant blossoms and its flavorful fruit.

  • The Cydonia oblonga tree produces beautiful pink flowers.

  • Did you know that Cydonia oblonga is also called quince?

  • Many people enjoy making desserts with the fruit of Cydonia oblonga, which has a unique flavor.

  • In the fall, the bright yellow fruit of Cydonia oblonga can be seen hanging from the branches.

Synonyms

quince
vsCydonia oblonga
4 7.4

A small Asian tree with pink flowers and pear-shaped fruit you can eat

is the precise botanical name for that same cultivated tree
quince bush
vsCydonia oblonga
6.8

A small tree or bush with pink flowers and pear-shaped fruit

is the tree-focused botanical term not emphasizing shrub form or ornament

Surface Forms

Cydonia oblonga singular
Cydonia oblongas plural

Morphology

Cydonia + oblonga

This is a scientific Latin binomial: the genus Cydonia (quince) plus a species epithet 'oblonga' that corresponds to 'oblong'. If a learner knew both parts and understood botanical naming, the meaning (an oblong quince/tree) is compositional, but the Latin form and specialized terminology make it unlikely to be immediately clear to an average B1 learner, so the transparency is partial.

Etymology

Cydonia oblonga may come from the ancient city of Cydonia in Crete, where people long ago grew the fruit we now call the 'quince'. The second word, oblonga, describes the fruit's long, pear-shaped look, so the scientific name points to the quince tree and its 'pear-shaped fruit'.