any of various muskmelons; esp., a type of fruit with a hard, rough rind and sweet, juicy, orange-colored flesh, that grows on a variety of muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus)
See cantaloupe in American Heritage Dictionary 4
also can·ta·loup(kănˈtl-ōpˌ)
noun
A variety of melon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) having a tan rind with netlike ridges and a sweet fragrant orange flesh.