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

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

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

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 Flower, Jessie Graham [pseud.]

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

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

Gather a bunch of sheep sorrel leaves, wrap them in a cabbage leaf and roast in the oven.

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