comice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Technical / Culinary
Quick answer
What does “comice” mean?
A specific variety of pear, also known as Doyenné du Comice, prized for its sweet, juicy, and buttery texture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific variety of pear, also known as Doyenné du Comice, prized for its sweet, juicy, and buttery texture.
Primarily refers to the fruit itself. By extension, may be used in culinary or horticultural contexts to denote quality or variety.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally specialized in both varieties of English.
Connotations
Connotes high quality, gourmet produce. More likely to be recognized in contexts involving specialty food markets or gardening.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects, perhaps slightly more familiar in the UK due to historical cultivation and marketing.
Grammar
How to Use “comice” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] Comice [VERB]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comice” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She prepared a Comice pear tart.
American English
- The Comice pear variety is his favorite.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the produce import/export sector, gourmet food retail.
Academic
Appears in botanical texts, horticulture studies, or culinary history.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation except when discussing specific fruit varieties at a market or in recipes.
Technical
Standard term in pomology (fruit science) and professional culinary arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “comice”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “comice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comice”
- Misspelling as 'comise' or 'commice'. Using it as a countable noun without 'pear' (e.g., 'I ate a comice' is less common than 'I ate a Comice pear').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, yes, as it originates from a proper name (Praise of the Committee of the Maine-et-Loire Horticultural Society). However, in common culinary use, it is sometimes seen in lowercase.
Yes, in context it is understood (e.g., 'I prefer Comice to Williams'). However, for clarity, especially with learners, 'Comice pear' is the most common and recommended form.
The skin near the stem yields slightly to gentle pressure, and the fruit emits a sweet fragrance. The colour may also have a slight golden blush.
Yes. Comice pears are generally rounder, have a more buttery and juicy texture, and are often considered sweeter and more aromatic than the bell-shaped Bartlett (Williams) pear.
A specific variety of pear, also known as Doyenné du Comice, prized for its sweet, juicy, and buttery texture.
Comice is usually formal / technical / culinary in register.
Comice: in British English it is pronounced /kɒˈmiːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈmiːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As sweet as a Comice”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'comfy' and 'nice' -> a Comice pear is so soft and sweet it's like a comfortable, nice treat.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS RARITY / REFINEMENT IS FRENCH ORIGIN
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Comice' primarily known as?