quince

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun small Asian tree with pinkish flowers and pear-shaped fruit; widely cultivated
  2. noun aromatic acid-tasting pear-shaped fruit used in preserves

Etymology

From Middle English quynce, coince, a variant of coins, coin (“quince”), from Old French cooing (modern coing), from Late Latin cotōneum, from Latin mālum cotōneum, a variant of mālum Cydonium (“Cydonian apple”), translating Ancient Greek μηλοκυδώνιον (mēlokudṓnion).

In classic literature

Synonyms

quince bush, Cydonia oblonga

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