1 a an elongated melon-shaped fruit with edible orange flesh and small black seeds. b a tropical tree, Carica papaya, bearing this and producing a milky sap from which papain is obtained.
2 US a N. American tree, Asimina triloba, with purple flowers and edible fruit.
Etymology: earlier papay(a) f. Sp. & Port. papaya, of Carib orig.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.