loquat
UK[ˈləʊkwɒt]US[ˈloʊkwɑːt]
n
A small, round, yellow or orange fruit with a sweet, slightly tart flavor and several large seeds.
n
The evergreen tree (Eriobotrya japonica) that produces this fruit.
Etymology
The word 'loquat' entered English in the early 19th century from the Portuguese name for the fruit, 'loquat' or 'alququat'. This, in turn, was borrowed from the Cantonese Chinese name 'lōuh kwāt', which literally translates to "rush orange" or "black orange," likely referring to the fruit's color and clustered growth. The Portuguese traders were instrumental in introducing the fruit from China to Europe and other parts of the world. Thus, the term's journey is one of direct cultural borrowing, with its form and meaning preserved essentially intact from its Chinese source, rather than being constructed from classical roots within English.
Analysis
The word 'loquat' is a loanword adopted as a single, unsegmentable unit into English. Its components are not productive morphemes in the English language.
Examples
The ripe loquats had a flavor reminiscent of peach and citrus.
They planted a loquat tree in their garden for its fragrant blossoms and delicious fruit.
The recipe called for fresh loquats to make a tangy jam.