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sorrel tree

9.9

A tree from Australia with sour leaves

noun

Australian

: árbol de aceder

The leaves of the sorrel tree are often used in traditional remedies for their tart flavor.

Examples

Certain animals avoid the sorrel tree because of its acidic leaves.
Many gardeners admire the sorrel tree for its unique foliage and decorative value.
Look at that beautiful sorrel tree over there!
The sorrel tree has bright green leaves.
Certain animals avoid the sorrel tree because of its acidic leaves.
The leaves of the sorrel tree are often used in traditional remedies for their tart flavor.
Many gardeners admire the sorrel tree for its unique foliage and decorative value.

Synonyms

Hibiscus heterophyllus

vssorrel tree

Specialized

9.9

A tree or shrub from Australia with sour leaves and large flowers

focuses on a native tree chiefly known for its acid tasting foliage

How Sour

lemon tree

5 1.0

sorrel tree

Australian

9.9

sumac

4 6.5

Surface Forms

sorrel tree singular

sorrel trees plural

Morphology

sorrel + tree

The noun–noun composition denotes a type of tree characterized by sorrel-like (sour-tasting) leaves, so the meaning is directly derivable from 'sorrel' + 'tree' following common plant-naming patterns. This compositional pattern is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Sorrel tree gets its name from the 'sour' taste of its leaves. The word sorrel was used for plants with a tart flavour, so people called this tree a sorrel tree, which explains the name today.