persicum
[ˈpɛr.sɪ.kũː]neuter
The Latin word for peach is persicum.
persicum is used to refer to the peach fruit. While it can stand alone as a neuter noun, it is often used as an adjective to describe fruit or specifically paired with nouns like pomum (fruit/apple).
Meaning: fruit (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
persicum is a neuter noun of the second declension. Its plural is persica, meaning "peaches".
Did you know?
- When Romans spoke of a peach, they were often using a shorthand for persicum pōmum, which means 'Persian apple'.
- In Latin, calling something 'persicum' can describe the fruit, the tree, or the person from Persia, depending on the context.
- The use of persicum reflects the Roman habit of naming imported exotic goods after their place of origin.
Examples in context
- Persicum fructus sapidus est.The peach is a delicious fruit.This sentence uses persicum to show that a peach is a delicious fruit.Tatoeba #11142871 by carlosalberto, translation #11142847 by carlosalberto
- "Quid istud est?" "Malum persicum.""What's that?" "A peach."This example shows a dialogue using persicum to identify a peach.Tatoeba #13807626 by rul, translation #12857771 by rul
- Piscator sub arborem persicum piscabatur. Persicum pomum furatus est, factus est peccator.A fisherman was fishing under a peach tree. He stole a peach, and he became a sinner.This example uses persicum in a story about a peach tree and a sinner.Tatoeba #5139310 by sicerabibax, translation #6277612 by CarpeLanam
Example conversation
Quintus and Claudia are sharing fruit in a garden.
- QuintusVisne persicum edere?Do you want to eat a peach?
- ClaudiaIta, persicum amo.Yes, I love peaches.
- QuintusHoc persicum est dulce.This peach is sweet.
- ClaudiaGratias tibi, Quinte.Thank you, Quintus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “peach” translations and entries persicum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries persicum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
