Nectarine

Nectarine

Noun · /ˈnek.tər.iːn/

Definition

A variety of peach with a smooth skin (lacking the characteristic fuzz of the common peach), having firm, sweet, juicy flesh. The nectarine being a genetic variant of the peach rather than a separate species.

Origin

From nectarine (adjective: resembling nectar, sweet as nectar), from nectar + -ine suffix. Nectar from Latin nectar, from Greek nektār (the drink of the gods, conferring immortality on those who drank it), from nek- (death) + -tar (overcoming: from a root meaning to carry or cross). The nectar being literally the death-overcoming drink. The nectarine being named for the sweetness of its flesh — like nectar. The fruit being documented in English from the early 17th century. The smooth skin being a recessive genetic trait in the peach (Prunus persica), with nectarines and peaches growing on the same tree if grafted.