The Collaborative International Dictionary
Citrus Japonica
kumquat \kum"quat\, n. [Chin. kin keu.] (Bot.) any of several trees or shrubs of the genus Fortunella (formerly Citrus) of the rue family ( Rutaceae) (especially Citrus Japonica) growing in China and Japan bearing small orange-colored edible fruits with thick sweet-flavored skin and sour pulp; also, any of the small acid, orange-colored citrus fruits of such plants, used mostly for preserves. [Also spelled cumquat.]