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tomatillo

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //təˈmætɪloʊ//

KK: /tuh-muh-tee-oh/

noun
Definition

A type of small fruit that is green or purple and is often used in Mexican cooking. It grows inside a paper-like husk and has a tangy flavor.


Example

I made a delicious salsa using fresh tomatillos from the market.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever tried a tomatillo salsa?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What does it taste like?
Sloth A
It's tangy and a bit sweet, really refreshing in summer.
Sloth B
That sounds delicious! I need to find some tomatillos to make it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fruit
berry
vegetable
Antonyms
poison
toxin
inedible
Root Explanation

**Tomatillo** → The word 'tomatillo' comes from the Spanish 'tomate' (meaning tomato) with the diminutive suffix '-illo' (meaning small). The term refers to a small tomato, specifically a green variety used in Mexican cuisine.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tomate' for tomato and remember that 'tomatillo' means a small tomato, often used in salsas.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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