melo

apple tree

noun MEH-loh Rare

Origin: From Latin malus (apple tree).

Usage Note

Melo is the tree; the fruit is la mela (apple). This tree/fruit distinction is consistent in Italian: pero (pear tree) vs pera (pear), ciliegio (cherry tree) vs ciliegia (cherry). Melo is masculine despite the fruit being feminine.

Examples

"Il melo in giardino è in fiore."

Natural Translation

The apple tree in the garden is in bloom.

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