avocado
UK[ˌævəˈkɑːdəʊ]US[ˌævəˈkɑːdoʊ]
n
a tropical fruit with a thick, dark green or purple skin, soft, pale green flesh, and a large stone in the middle
n
the evergreen tree on which this fruit grows, native to central america
Etymology
the word 'avocado' entered english in the 17th century from the spanish 'aguacate'. this, in turn, was borrowed from the nahuatl (aztec) word 'āhuacatl', which meant both "avocado" and "testicle", likely a reference to the fruit's shape and its perceived aphrodisiac qualities. spanish speakers altered the nahuatl term to fit their phonology, and english further adapted it, influenced by the unrelated spanish word 'avocado' meaning "advocate" or "lawyer". the modern english spelling and pronunciation reflect this complex history of borrowing and folk etymology, transforming a native american word into a staple of global cuisine.
Analysis
the word is a loanword from spanish, adopted as a single, unsegmentable unit in english.
Examples
she made a delicious guacamole from fresh avocados.
avocado toast has become a popular breakfast item.
the avocado tree in their garden produces fruit every year.