sorrel tree


noun
  1. 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

1
An Americanism dating back to 1680–90

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
  1. 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

1
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