Fruitlet

/ˈfruːtlət/ noun

Definition

A small fruit or the early stage of a developing fruit on a plant.

Etymology

From 'fruit' plus '-let' (diminutive suffix meaning 'small'). This botanical term is precise and technical, similar to 'droplet' or 'leaflet.'

Kelly Says

When fruit trees flower, they produce dozens of fruitlets, but most fall off—a process called 'natural thinning.' The tree essentially aborts most pregnancies to put all energy into a smaller number of larger fruits. Nature's resource management is brutal but brilliant.

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