Category:Pomegranate

Pome"gran`ate, n. Etym: [oe. pomgarnet, of. pome de grenate, f. Grenade, l. pomum a fruit + granatus grained, having many grains or Seeds. See pome, and garnet, grain.]

1. (bot.)

Defn: the fruit of the tree punica granatum; also, the tree itself (see balaustine), which is native in the orient, but is successfully Cultivated in many warm countries, and as a house plant in colder Climates. The fruit is as large as an orange, and has a hard rind Containing many rather large seeds, each one separately covered with Crimson, acid pulp.

2. A carved or embroidered ornament resembling a pomegranate. Ex. Xxviii. 33.

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---excerpt from the Illustrated Bible Dictionary

Pomegranate - I.e., "grained apple" (pomum granatum), Heb. rimmon. Common in Egypt (Numbers 20:5) and Palestine (Numbers 13:23; Deuteronomy 8:8). The Romans called it Punicum malum, i.e., Carthaginian apple, because they received it from Carthage. It belongs to the myrtle family of trees. The withering of the pomegranate tree is mentioned among the judgments of God (Joel 1:12). It is frequently mentioned in the Song of Solomon (Song of Songs 4:3, Song of Songs 4:13, etc.). The skirt of the high priest's blue robe and ephod was adorned with the representation of pomegranates, alternating with golden bells (Exodus 28:33, Exodus 28:34), as also were the "chapiters upon the two pillars" (1 Kings 7:20) which "stood before the house."