melon

Any of several large, juicy (95% water), thick-skinned fruits of trailing plants of the gourd family. The muskmelon (Cucumis melo), of which the honeydew melon is a variety, and the large red watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) are familiar edible varieties. (Family Cucurbitaceae.)

Thought to have originated in Asia, the melon became naturalized in the Nile Valley and was introduced to Europe at the end of the 15th century.