carambola

plural carambolas · alternative rare karambola

1. A tree species native to southern Asia, Averrhoa carambola.

   The carambola tree bears a sour fruit which makes a good tart, and there is a variety which bears a sweet fruit. The tree, though originally, it is said, from the Moluccas, flourishes well on this Coast, and is quite naturalized.

   1851, Francis Mason, Tenasserim: Or Notes on the Fauna, Flora, Minerals, and Nations of British Burmah and Pegu: with Systematic Catalogues of the Known Minerals, Plants, Mammals, Fishes, Mollusks, Sea-nettles, Corals, Sea-urchins, Worms, Insects, Crabs, Reptiles, and Birds; with Vernacular Names, American Mission Press, T.S. Ranney, page 121

2. The fruit of this tree, commonly known as star fruit.

   She leans out of sight before coming back with a bowl of something—looks like sliced fresh carambola with salt and chili.

   2022, N. K. Jemisin, The World We Make, Orbit, page 124

   Synonyms: Chinese gooseberry, star fruit

3. A yellow colour, like that of a carambola.