sechium edule

2 definitions found

sechium edule - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Sechium \Se"chi*um\, n. [NL.: cf. F. s['e]chion; perhaps formed
     fr. Gr. ? cucumber.] (Bot.)
     The edible fruit of a West Indian plant (Sechium edule) of
     the Gourd family. It is soft, pear-shaped, and about four
     inches long, and contains a single large seed. The root of
     the plant resembles a yam, and is used for food.
     [1913 Webster]

  Chayote \Cha"yo"te\
     1. a tropical West Indian vine (Sechium edule) of the gourd
        family, which bears small white flowers and produces an
        edible fruit.
        [PJC]
  
     2. the edible fruit of the chayote[1] vine, having a pear
        shape with a furrowed skin, and usually green or white. It
        is also called choyote, christophene, mirliton, and
        vegetable pear
        [PJC]