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Glite Dictionary
sapodilla tree

sapodilla tree

8.6
Large tropical tree that makes natural gum and grows sweet brown fruit
  • noun
  • /ˌsæpəˈdɪlə tri/
  • US
translation icon : árbol de zapote
  • Her backyard boasts a flourishing sapodilla tree laden with sweet, brown fruit.

Examples

  • The sapodilla tree grows well in tropical climates.

  • Chicle, once used in chewing gum, is harvested from the sapodilla tree.

  • The sapodilla tree thrives in warm, tropical climates with well-drained soil.

  • I planted a sapodilla tree in my backyard.

  • The sapodilla tree is known for its delicious brown fruit that is enjoyed as a sweet dessert.

  • Farmers in Central America harvest chicle gum from the sapodilla tree, which has been used for generations.

  • The shade of a sapodilla tree provides a perfect spot for picnic gatherings during warm afternoons.

Synonyms

sapodilla
vssapodilla tree
9.9

A large tropical evergreen tree that produces sweet fruit and sap used to make chewing gum

uses the fuller plant phrase instead of the shorter species name
Manilkara zapota
vssapodilla tree
  • Specialized
9.9

A large tropical evergreen tree that produces sweet fruit and a sticky sap used for chewing gum

is the everyday common name rather than the Latin botanical label
Achras zapota
vssapodilla tree
  • Specialized
9.9

A large evergreen tree from tropical America that makes sweet fruit and natural chewing gum

is the common everyday name used in speech and general writing

Surface Forms

sapodilla tree singular
sapodilla trees plural

Morphology

sapodilla + tree

The noun 'sapodilla' denotes a particular evergreen, fruit-bearing tree, so 'sapodilla tree' is directly compositional — literally a tree that is a sapodilla. This follows a common noun + noun naming pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand the meaning.

Etymology

Sapodilla tree gets its name from an old native word for a soft, sweet fruit, and the tree is known for its brown, sugary flesh. The tree also gives a sticky sap once used for 'chewing gum', so the name brings to mind both the sweet fruit and the gum sap.