Apricot
/ˈeɪ.prɪ.kɒt/noun
A small, soft fruit with a yellow-orange skin and a stone inside.
Did you know?The term 'apricot' is derived from the Latin word 'praecoquum', meaning 'precocious', hinting at its early ripening in the season and its association with fertility rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰréh₂t
“to shine or be bright, emphasizing the fruit's vibrant color.”
Latin
Latin
praecoquum
“precocious or early ripe, used for fruits that mature quickly.”
Old French
Old French
abricot
“the name for the fruit, showing its introduction from Latin into the vernacular.”
Middle English
Middle English
abricot
“the borrowed term for the fruit, reflecting its exotic nature.”
Modern English
English
apricot
“the current term for the fruit, adopted from earlier forms.”
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