guava
UK[ˈɡwɑːvə]US[ˈɡwɑːvə]
n
a round, yellow or green tropical fruit with pink or white flesh and many small seeds.
n
the small tropical american tree that bears this fruit.
Etymology
the word 'guava' entered english in the mid-16th century via spanish 'guayaba'. the spanish term itself was borrowed from an indigenous language of the west indies, likely arawak, where it was known as 'guayabo'. as european explorers encountered the fruit in the caribbean and central america, they adopted the local name. the word's journey from arawak to spanish and finally to english exemplifies the direct borrowing of terms for new flora discovered during the age of exploration, with its form remaining largely intact across languages.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a whole unit from spanish. its spelling and form were not constructed from combinable english morphemes.
Examples
she made a refreshing juice from the ripe guavas.
the guava tree in their backyard produces fruit twice a year.
guava paste is a common dessert ingredient in many latin american cuisines.