persimmon n 1: any of several tropical trees of the genus Diospyros [syn: {persimmon}, {persimmon tree}] 2: orange fruit resembling a plum; edible when fully ripe
Persimmon \Per*sim"mon\, n. [Virginia Indian.] (Bot.) An American tree ({Diospyros Virginiana}) and its fruit, found from New York southward. The fruit is like a plum in appearance, but is very harsh and astringent until it has been exposed to frost, when it becomes palatable and nutritious. [1913 Webster] {Japanese persimmon}, {Diospyros Kaki} and its red or yellow edible fruit, which outwardly resembles a tomato, but contains a few large seeds. [1913 Webster]