watermelon

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an African melon
  2. noun large oblong or roundish melon with a hard green rind and sweet watery red or occasionally yellowish pulp

Etymology

From the 1610s, a compound of water + melon. Compare French melon d'eau, German Wassermelone, and Spanish melón de agua. The meanings referring to environmentalists and behind-schedule projects derive from the idea of having a green (eco-friendly, on-schedule) outward appearance while being red (socialist, behind schedule) in a hidden way comparable to that of the fruit.

In classic literature

Synonyms

watermelon vine, Citrullus vulgaris

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