atemoya
|a-te-moy-a|
/ˌætəˈmɔɪə/
cherimoya × sugar-apple hybrid (tropical custard-like fruit)
Etymology
'atemoya' originates from modern botanical coinage (English/Spanish horticultural usage), specifically coined as a blend of the names 'cherimoya' and 'sugar-apple' to denote their hybrid.
'atemoya' was coined in horticultural literature in the early 20th century to name the hybrid between 'Annona cherimola' and 'Annona squamosa' and subsequently entered common usage in English for the fruit.
Initially it designated that specific hybrid; over time it remained the established common name for the fruit of that hybrid and for cultivars derived from it.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a tropical fruit that is a hybrid of Annona cherimola (cherimoya) and Annona squamosa (sugar apple), with sweet, creamy, custard-like pulp; also the common name for that hybrid (scientific name often given as Annona × atemoya).
Atemoya is prized for its sweet, custard-like flesh and is sold in specialty fruit markets.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/10 06:20