sorrel

1
[ sawr-uh l, sor- ]
/ ˈsɔr əl, ˈsɒr- /

noun

light reddish-brown.
a horse of this color, often with a light-colored mane and tail.

adjective

of the color sorrel.

Origin of sorrel

1
1400–50; late Middle English < Old French sorel, equivalent to sor brown (< Germanic) + -el diminutive suffix; see -elle

Definition for sorrel (2 of 2)

sorrel 2
[ sawr-uh l, sor- ]
/ ˈsɔr əl, ˈsɒr- /

noun

any of various plants belonging to the genus Rumex, of the buckwheat family, having edible acid leaves used in salads, sauces, etc.
any of various sour-juiced plants of the genus Oxalis. Compare wood sorrel.
any of various similar plants.

Origin of sorrel

2
1350–1400; Middle English sorell < Old French surele, equivalent to sur sour (< Germanic; akin to Old High German sūr sour) + -el diminutive suffix; see -elle

Example sentences from the Web for sorrel

British Dictionary definitions for sorrel (1 of 2)

sorrel 1
/ (ˈsɒrəl) /

noun

  1. a light brown to brownish-orange colour
  2. (as adjective)a sorrel carpet
a horse of this colour

Word Origin for sorrel

C15: from Old French sorel, from sor a reddish brown, of Germanic origin; related to Middle Dutch soor desiccated

British Dictionary definitions for sorrel (2 of 2)

sorrel 2
/ (ˈsɒrəl) /

noun

any of several polygonaceous plants of the genus Rumex, esp R. acetosa, of Eurasia and North America, having acid-tasting leaves used in salads and sauces See also dock 4, sheep sorrel
short for wood sorrel

Word Origin for sorrel

C14: from Old French surele, from sur sour, of Germanic origin; related to Old High German sūr sour