Balimbing

/bɑːˈlɪmbɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The star fruit, a tropical fruit with five pointed ridges that create a star shape when sliced, common in Southeast Asia.

Etymology

From Tagalog 'balimbing' or 'bilambing,' representing the indigenous Philippine name for this fruit, likely onomatopoetic or descriptive in origin.

Kelly Says

Star fruit's scientific name 'Averrhoa' honors an Islamic medieval philosopher, while locals call it 'balimbing'—showing how one fruit can have names connecting three continents.

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