sheep sorrel

noun

1. a slender weed, Rumex acetosella, of the buckwheat family, found in poor, dry soils, having arrow-shaped leaves with an acid taste.

sheep sorrel

noun

1. a polygonaceous plant, Rumex acetosella, of the N hemisphere, having slightly bitter-tasting leaves and small reddish flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheep sorrel¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

One part had almost no grass at all — just mats of sheep sorrel, hawkweed, plantain and dock.

From Washington Post

Eighteen of his works, including the California poppy, hedge mustard and sheep sorrel, are on display through Aug. 26 at the Founders Hall Art Gallery at Soka University in Aliso Viejo.

From Los Angeles Times

Dandelions, sheep sorrel, poke leaves and such, though not used in civil life, were welcome to us, for they were much better than no salad at all.

From Project Gutenberg

She found tufts of crisp sour sheep sorrel which she 47liked to nibble, while she made ladies out of the flowers, and the pups snapped at the grasshoppers and butterflies.

From Project Gutenberg

Now pull up the roots of a plant, as, for example, sheep sorrel, Jimson weed, or some other plant.

From Project Gutenberg