from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sorrel \Sor"rel\, n. [F. surelle, fr. sur sour, fr. OHG. s?r
sour. See {Sour}.] (Bot.)
One of various plants having a sour juice; especially, a
plant of the genus {Rumex}, as {Rumex Acetosa}, {Rumex
Acetosella}, etc.
[1913 Webster]
{Mountain sorrel}. (Bot.) See under {Mountain}.
{Red sorrel}. (Bot.)
(a) A malvaceous plant ({Hibiscus Sabdariffa}) whose acid
calyxes and capsules are used in the West Indies for
making tarts and acid drinks.
(b) A troublesome weed ({Rumex Acetosella}), also called
{sheep sorrel}.
{Salt of sorrel} (Chem.), binoxalate of potassa; -- so called
because obtained from the juice of {Rumex Acetosella}, or
{Rumex Axetosa}.
{Sorrel tree} (Bot.), a small ericaceous tree ({Oxydendrum
arboreum}) whose leaves resemble those of the peach and
have a sour taste. It is common along the Alleghanies.
Called also {sourwood}.
{Wood sorrel} (Bot.), any plant of the genus Oxalis.
[1913 Webster]