monstera
noun
mon·stera
män(t)-'ster-ə
ˈmänz-tə-rə
ˈmän(t)-stə-rə
plural monsteras or monstera
1
: any of a genus (Monstera) of tropical American climbing plants of the arum family that have deeply incised or perforated leaves and an erect floral spadix enclosed in a white to yellow concave bract and that include some grown for their large ornamental leaves
… monstera is a climbing or sprawling vine that supports itself with long tentacle-like aerial roots.—Amy Bennett Williams
Monsteras do not flower or fruit indoors but may do so outdoors in protected locations …—Redland (California) Daily Facts
see swiss cheese plant, swiss cheese vine
2
: the fruit of a monstera (especially Monstera deliciosa)
Lesser known fruits, such as the monstera (or Mexican breadfruit), baffle even enthusiastic diners.—Jan Norris
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Cite this Entry
“Monstera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monstera. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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