melopepon

The Greeks called our melon melopepon, or “apple-gourd,” and this became shortened to melon.

On Food and Cooking, The Science and Lore of the Kitchen Harold McGee 2004

The Greeks called our melon melopepon, or “apple-gourd,” and this became shortened to melon.

On Food and Cooking, The Science and Lore of the Kitchen Harold McGee 2004

In truth some people say that melopepon didn't mean "ripe apple," but instead meant "apple gourd," but it doesn't much matter.

podictionary - for word lovers - dictionary etymology, trivia & history 2008

But when they added their word meaning "ripe" on the end making melopepon, it then became what we would call a melon.

podictionary - for word lovers - dictionary etymology, trivia & history 2008