gherkin

noun gher·kin \ˈgər-kən\

: a small cucumber that is used to make pickles

Full Definition of GHERKIN

a : a small prickly fruit used for pickling; also : a pickle made from this fruit

b : the slender annual vine (Cucumis anguria) of the gourd family that bears gherkins

: the immature fruit of the cucumber especially when used for pickling

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Dutch gurken, plural of gurk cucumber, ultimately from Middle Greek agouros

First Known Use: 1661

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