pawpaw

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpɔːpɔː/
(also papaw)

noun

  • 2 (also pawpaw tree) a North American tree of the custard apple family, with purple flowers and edible oblong yellow fruit with sweet pulp.
    • Asimina triloba, family Annonaceae
  • the fruit of the pawpaw tree.

Origin:

early 17th century: from Spanish and Portuguese papaya, of Carib origin. The change in spelling is unexplained