sheep sorrel

American  

noun

1. a slender weed, Rumex acetosella, of the buckwheat family, found in poor, dry soils, having arrow-shaped leaves with an acid taste.

---

sheep sorrel British  

noun

1. a polygonaceous plant, Rumex acetosella, of the N hemisphere, having slightly bitter-tasting leaves and small reddish flowers

---

Etymology

Origin of sheep sorrel

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

The sheep sorrel is a good kidney remedy, and the ice bag by continuous application will relieve the congestion.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

Dandelions, sheep sorrel, poke leaves and such, though not used in civil life, were welcome to us, for they were much better than no salad at all.

From From the Rapidan to Richmond and the Spottsylvania Campaign A Sketch in Personal Narration of the Scenes a Soldier Saw by Dame, William Meade

She found tufts of crisp sour sheep sorrel which she 47liked to nibble, while she made ladies out of the flowers, and the pups snapped at the grasshoppers and butterflies.

From Chicken Little Jane on the Big John by Ritchie, Lily Munsell

Oca: Hardy, edible root, related to sheep sorrel.

From Inca Land Explorations in the Highlands of Peru by Bingham, Hiram

Make a decoction of sheep sorrel, one ounce to pint of water; boil, strain and cool.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson