HORSEAPPLE Meaning and
Definition
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Horseapple, also known as Osage orange, is a noun referring to a large, round, and bumpy fruit that grows on the Maclura pomifera tree. The term "horseapple" is mainly used in North American regions, particularly the Midwest and parts of the South. The term is derived from the belief that horses, who are sometimes fed with it, find the fruit unpalatable.
The horseapple has a bright green color, similar to that of a lime, and its thick, bumpy skin is known for its distinctive appearance. The fruit itself is not typically consumed by humans due to its bitter taste and dense texture. However, it has been used as a decorative item, often displayed in bowls or as autumnal centerpieces.
The Maclura pomifera tree is a member of the Mulberry family and is typically found in fertile regions of the United States. Horseapples are usually found in clusters and ripen during late summer and early fall.
In addition to its use as decoration, horseapples have been repurposed for various other reasons. The wood of the Maclura pomifera is highly durable and has been used for making bows, fence posts, and even as a natural insect repellent due to its high concentration of natural compounds. The milky sap of the horseapple tree has also been used in traditional medicine for its purported antiseptic properties.
Etymology of HORSEAPPLE
The word "horseapple" is derived from the combination of "horse" and "apple".
"Horse" refers to the animal and has Old English origins, ultimately coming from the Proto-Germanic word "hursa". It is believed to have been used to describe horses as early as the 9th century.
"Apple" is a term derived from the Old English word "æppel", which also has Germanic roots. This term, originating from the Proto-Germanic word "aplaz", referred specifically to the fruit we now know as an apple.
The combination of these words, "horse" and "apple", likely stems from the fact that some fruits, like the Osage orange or hedge apple, resemble oversized, bumpy apples. These fruits were called "horseapples" due to their large size, although they are not typically consumed by horses as they are not particularly edible.
