sorrel tree

noun

a North American tree, Oxydendrum arboreum, of the heath family, having leaves with an acid flavor and drooping clusters of white flowers.

Origin of sorrel tree

An Americanism dating back to 1680–90

Also called sourwood.

Words Nearby sorrel tree

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use sorrel tree in a sentence

They were the flowers of the sorrel-tree—the beautiful lyonia—the very sight of which sent a thrill of gladness through my heart.
The Desert Home | Mayne Reid
It is called sorrel-tree, sour gum, and sour gum bush, on account of the acidity of the leaves when chewed.
American Forest Trees | Henry H. Gibson

British Dictionary definitions for sorrel tree

sorrel tree

noun

a deciduous ericaceous tree, Oxydendrum arboreum, of E North America, having deeply fissured bark, sour-tasting leaves, and small white flowers: Also called: sourwood

Origin of sorrel tree

C17: so called because the bitter flavour of the leaves is reminiscent of sorrel

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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