chokecherry
UK[ˈtʃəʊkˌtʃɛri]US[ˈtʃoʊkˌtʃɛri]
n
a type of North American cherry tree or shrub with bitter, astringent fruit.
n
the small, dark red or black fruit of this plant, often used in jellies and syrups.
Morpheme Breakdown
choke
cherry
choke
cherry
Etymology
the word "chokecherry" is a transparent english compound formed from two existing english words. the first element, "choke," does not refer to literal suffocation but to the puckering, astringent sensation caused by the raw fruit, which can feel as if it constricts the throat. the second element, "cherry," entered english via old french from the latin 'cerasus', which itself borrowed from the greek 'kerasos', likely ultimately of anatolian origin. the compound name thus functions as a straightforward folk description, labeling the plant by its most distinctive characteristic—its mouth-puckering fruit—in contrast to the sweeter, more palatable varieties of cherry.
Analysis
Structure: choke + cherry
choke: from middle english 'choken' (to suffocate, strangle), of uncertain origin, possibly imitative. in this compound, it functions as a modifier describing the fruit's effect.
cherry: from old northern french 'cherise', from latin 'cerasus', from greek 'kerasos'. it functions as the base noun denoting the type of fruit.
Examples
the chokecherry bushes along the fence line were heavy with dark fruit.
traditional recipes often use chokecherry jelly as a tart accompaniment to game meats.
despite its name, the chokecherry is not poisonous, but the pits contain compounds that can release cyanide.