ˈlī(ˌ)chē, ˈlē(- noun
Etymology: Chinese (Pekingese) li 4 chih 1
1. or litchi nut or li·chee also lee·chee or li·chi or ly·chee “ -s : the fruit of a Chinese tree ( Litchi chinensis ) that is about one inch in diameter and has a hard scaly outer covering and a small hard seed surrounded by white translucent watery flesh which on drying becomes firm, sweetish, and black and constitutes the edible part of the fruit
2.
a. capitalized : a genus of Chinese trees (family Sapindaceae) with pinnate leaves and regular greenish white flowers in terminal panicles
b. -s : any tree of the genus Litchi ; especially : a tree ( L. chinensis ) often cultivated in the Philippines, India, and elsewhere for its edible fruits