gooseberry

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun spiny Eurasian shrub having greenish purple-tinged flowers and ovoid yellow-green or red-purple berries
  2. noun currant-like berry used primarily in jams and jellies

Etymology

From goose + berry. It is possible that the first element was originally something related to the gros- of French groseille and/or the kruis- of Dutch kruisbes but has been altered by folk etymology.

In classic literature

Synonyms

gooseberry bush, Ribes uva-crispa, Ribes grossularia

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