Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Momordica charantia

Momordica charantia

9.9
A tropical vine that makes a bitter yellow-orange fruit called bitter melon
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Momordica charantia
  • Momordica charantia is widely grown in Asia and Africa for its edible fruit.

Examples

  • The fruit of Momordica charantia is often used in traditional medicines.

  • Researchers are studying Momordica charantia for its potential health benefits.

  • I love Momordica charantia!

  • Have you tried Momordica charantia?

  • Momordica charantia is a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes due to its distinctive flavor.

  • Many people consume Momordica charantia for its reputed health benefits, including its ability to regulate blood sugar.

  • Cooks often prepare Momordica charantia by stir-frying it with garlic and onions.

Synonyms

balsam pear
vsMomordica charantia
  • Indian
9.1

A long green vegetable with bumpy skin and a bitter taste used in Asian cooking

focuses on the plant's botanical identity rather than its culinary or medicinal uses

Surface Forms

Momordica charantia singular
Momordica charantias plural

Morphology

Momordica + charantia

This is a Linnaean Latin binomial (a scientific species name) whose parts are proper names/Latin morphemes rather than ordinary English words; one constituent ('charantia') is not even in the dictionary. A B1 learner who knows the written constituents would not be able to infer the common-food meaning 'bitter melon' from them, so the expression is non-compositional for typical learners.

Etymology

Momordica charantia may come from the Latin Momordica meaning 'to bite' and the Greek charantia meaning 'bitter'. The fruit often looks chewed and has a strong bitter taste, so the name helps you remember the plant today.