mangolike

Mangolike is an adjective used to describe something that resembles a mango in appearance, texture, flavor, or aroma. The term can apply across domains such as botany, culinary arts, gastronomy, fragrance, and branding. Etymology: formed from mango + -like, signaling resemblance rather than identity, and it is not a scientific term.

In botany and horticulture, mangolike can describe fruit characteristics that resemble mangoes without being a true mango species—such features might include a similar oblong drupelike fruit, skin color ranging from greenish to yellow-orange, or a mango-like aroma. In culinary contexts, mangolike flavor notes are used to describe products that evoke mango sweetness and tropical fruitiness, such as desserts, beverages, or sauces. In perfumery, mangolike notes may refer to fragrance accords that resemble ripe mango with fruity, creamy facets.

Usage cautions: because mangolike denotes resemblance rather than identity, it should be used descriptively and not as a claim of origin or species. It may appear in product labeling or menu descriptions to convey tropical or fruity character without implying the item is a mango.

See also: mango, mango-flavored, tropical fruit, fruit flavor descriptors.