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.

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sheep sorrel British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of sheep sorrel

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sheep sorrel

Then came sheep sorrel, and the rock-rose and thorn-brush.

From The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Velma Swanston Howard

Reddy resembles the common, but much-admired sheep sorrel, while I am like that tender little flower, the forget-me-not.

From Grace Harlowe's Sophomore Year at High School The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics by Jessie Graham [pseud.] Flower

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 Lily Munsell Ritchie

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 Thomas Jefferson Ritter

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 Thomas Jefferson Ritter