Words that start with P

Persian cats are one of the oldest longhaired cat breeds. They are originally from Persia (now Iran). Persians come in a wide variety of colours, and have a distinctive flat face.
Persian is also a language spoken in a number of countries.

Persimmons are an orange fruit with a sweet, tangy flavour. The variety most commonly grown is native to China. They must be completely ripe before they can be eaten, as the immature fruit is very bitter. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or used to make foods like desserts or even fermented to make vinegar.
The main variety now grown commercially and in home gardens in New Zealand is Fuyu. This is a non-astringent variety and is best eaten while it is still crisp - like an apple.

Pesto is a sauce made in a mortar and pestle. It is made by grinding up basil, garlic and coarse salt, then adding pine nuts and olive oil and mixing it all together.
Pesto is usually served simply by stirring it through some pasta.

Petals are modified leaves that are found around the reproductive parts of a flower. Petals are usually a very different color to the leaves of a plant. Most plants have green leaves and petals in bright colors like pink or yellow.

Petrol is another word for gasoline.

Pewter is a metal alloy made from around 85% tin, and the remainder being antimony, about 1% copper and 4 or more percent lead. It is commonly used for photo frames, vases and decorative mugs. Plates, bowls and cups were all made from pewter before glass and porcelain became more common.
People of ancient cultures used to get lead poisoning partly from eating from pewter plates, and partly from using a lead compound to sweeten their wine.

A phalarope is a small wading bird with a thin beak and legs, often with a mix of gray, brown, and lighter tones. It lives along the coasts and on inland lakes and wetlands, especially near shallow water. Phalaropes swim and feed in the water, sometimes stirring up tiny creatures near the surface. They're known for their habit of swimming in a tight circle as they search for food.

Pheasants are a large group of birds that usually live on the ground. Male pheasants are much more brightly coloured than female ones. They eat fruit, seeds and leaves as well as any insects and small lizards they find.

Phlegm is a thick mucus made in the throat and chest. It can be coughed up when you are sick.

Phone is an abbreviation for telephone, either a fixed phone or a cellphone.