A melon is any of various plants of the family Cucurbitaceae with edible, fleshy fruit. The word melon can refer to either the plant or specifically to the fruit. Many different cultivars have been produced, particularly of muskmelons. Although the melon is a botanical fruit (specifically, a berry), some varieties may be considered vegetables rather than fruits. The word melon derives from Latin melopepo, which is the latinization of the Greek μηλοπÎπων (mÄ“lopepon), meaning melon, itself a compound of μῆλον (mÄ“lon), apple + Ï€Îπων (pepÅn), amongst others a kind of gourd or melon.