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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.


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 calledsourwood
“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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Word History and Origins

Origin of sorrel tree1

An Americanism dating back to 1680–90
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sorrel tree1

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

They were the flowers of the sorrel-tree—the beautiful lyonia—the very sight of which sent a thrill of gladness through my heart.

It is called sorrel-tree, sour gum, and sour gum bush, on account of the acidity of the leaves when chewed.

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sorrel saltSorrentino