The seed-bearing structures that develop from flowering plants, typically sweet and edible. Can also refer to the results or rewards of effort.
From Latin 'fructus' meaning enjoyment or profit, from 'frui' meaning to enjoy. The word entered English through Old French 'fruit,' originally encompassing both literal botanical products and metaphorical results of labor.
Botanically, many 'vegetables' are actually fruits - tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants all develop from flowers and contain seeds. The metaphorical use 'fruits of labor' preserves the original Latin meaning of enjoyment and reward, showing how food and satisfaction are linguistically linked.
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