plum
UK: plʌm | US: plʌm
n. 1. A sweet, juicy fruit with smooth skin and a central pit.
n. 2. A deep purple color resembling the fruit.
n. 3. (Informal) A highly desirable or advantageous thing.
The word "plum" traces back to Old English plūme, borrowed from Latin prūnum (meaning "plum fruit"). The Latin term likely originated from Greek proumnon, possibly linked to an ancient Mediterranean substrate language. Over time, the word evolved phonetically (e.g., loss of the -r- sound in Latin) while retaining its core meaning. The association with desirability (e.g., "a plum job") arose metaphorically from the fruit's sweetness and value.
She picked a ripe plum from the tree.
The walls were painted a rich plum color.
Landing that role was a real plum for the young actor.
Plum jam is my favorite spread for toast.
The dessert featured fresh plums and whipped cream.