1. Any of several small spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Prosopis having small flowers in axillary cylindrical spikes followed by large pods rich in sugar
   "Mesquite wood is popular for barbecue smoking";
   - mesquit
    
2. Mesquite of Gulf Coast and Caribbean Islands from Mexico to Venezuela
   "mesquite pods provide valuable fodder for livestock";
   - algarroba, Prosopis juliflora, Neltuma juliflora

Derived forms: mesquites

Type of: bush, shrub

Part of: genus Prosopis, Prosopis

Encyclopedia: Mesquite, New Mexico