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.
Also called
sourwood.
Origin of sorrel tree
An Americanism dating back to 1680–90
Words nearby sorrel tree
sorosilicate,
sorosis,
sorption,
sorrel,
sorrel salt,
sorrel tree,
sorrentino,
sorrento,
sorrow,
sorrowful,
sorrows of young werther, the
Example sentences from the Web for sorrel tree
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
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
Word Origin for sorrel tree
C17: so called because the bitter flavour of the leaves is reminiscent of sorrel