avocado (avokado)

[Corrupted from Mexican name.] The alligator-pear, the fruit of Persea gratis sima, nat IMG:content-1452.png:[graphic] ural order Lauracea, a tree common in tropical America and the West Indies. It is from 1 to 2 pounds in weight, is pear-shaped, of a brownish green or purple color, and is highly esteemed, though rather as a vegetable than as a fruit. The pulp is firm and marrow-like, whence the fruit is sometimes known as vegetable marrow or mid shipmen's butter. The oil is said to be equal to palmoil for soap. The tree is an evergreen, growing to the height of 30 feet. Also avo cato, avigato. ( Persea gratis sima ).