A grapefruit.

Origin: The word 'pamplemousse' comes from the Dutch word 'pompelmoes', which itself is derived from the Tamil words 'pampaḷi', meaning 'big', and 'mās', meaning 'citrus fruit'. The term was adopted into French during the 17th century due to trade and botanical exchanges. Historical and Cultural Context: The first recorded use of 'pamplemousse' in French dates back to the 17th century, when European interest in exotic fruits was burgeoning due to colonial trade routes. The fruit became popular in Europe for its unique tart flavor. Evolution: Over time, the term 'pamplemousse' has been used consistently in French to describe the grapefruit. While the etymology traces back to a Tamil origin, the word has remained relatively unchanged in French, unlike its English counterpart, 'grapefruit', which evolved from its resemblance to clusters of grapes. Modern Relevance: Today, 'pamplemousse' is a common term in French-speaking countries, used in everyday language, culinary contexts, and in idiomatic expressions such as 'être un pamplemousse' (to be a grapefruit), humorously implying someone is a bit sour or tangy.

Despite its name, the grapefruit was mistakenly named in English due to its grape-like clusters, rather than its Dutch etymology.