Carambola

/ˌkærəmˈboʊlə/ noun

Definition

A tropical fruit with five ridges that form a star shape when sliced, with a sweet-tart flavor.

Etymology

From Portuguese carambola, derived from Sanskrit karambal through Arabic and Persian traders. The word traveled the Spice Route from India to Europe via multiple languages.

Kelly Says

The carambola's star shape made it exotic and desirable enough to inspire its own name—it's literally called the 'star fruit' in many languages, and that shape is what made explorers bring it back.

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