olive

¹

[ol-iv]

noun

1. an evergreen tree, Olea europaea, of Mediterranean and other warm regions, cultivated chiefly for its fruit.

2. the fruit of this tree, a small oval drupe, eaten as a relish and used as a source of oil.

3. Also called olive wood. the wood of this tree, valued for ornamental work.

4. the foliage of this tree.

5. a wreath of it.

6. any of various related or similar trees.

7. olive branch.

8. the ocher green or dull yellow green of the unripe olive fruit.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or made of olives, their foliage, or their fruit.

2. of the color olive.

3. tinged with this color.

   an olive complexion.

Olive

²

[ol-iv]

noun

1. a female given name.

olive

/ ˈɒlɪv /

noun

1. an evergreen oleaceous tree, Olea europaea, of the Mediterranean region but cultivated elsewhere, having white fragrant flowers, and edible shiny black fruits

2. the fruit of this plant, eaten as a relish and used as a source of olive oil

3. the wood of the olive tree, used for ornamental work

4. any of various trees or shrubs resembling the olive

5. 1. a yellow-green colour

   2. ( as adjective )

      an olive coat

6. an angler's name for the dun of various mayflies or an artificial fly in imitation of this

adjective

1. of, relating to, or made of the olive tree, its wood, or its fruit

Other Word Forms

• subolive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of olive¹

1150–1200; Middle English < Old French < Latin olīva, by-form of olea < dialectal Greek *elaíwa olive, olive tree; oil, oleaceous

Word History and Origins

Origin of olive¹

C13: via Old French from Latin oliva, related to Greek elaia olive tree; compare Greek elaion oil

Example Sentences

We begin with a gilda, a tiny skewer of anchovy, olive, pickled pepper and a platter of cured meats and cheeses.

Read more on Salon

That was seen as an olive branch to the business community and the police force, but Tisch hasn’t said if she will accept the offer.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Yet so far the village has been spared the settler assaults that have marred this year's olive harvest, leaving many Palestinians injured.

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One of the first things guests will see when they approach the museum during Ono’s show will be an outdoor installation created using the Broad’s olive trees from its outdoor plaza.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Both formulations were enhanced with tomato powder, spices, and a blend of sunflower, olive, and linseed oils to improve flavor and nutritional value.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• beige 
• brownish www.thesaurus.com
• drab 
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