oxalis

[ ok-suh-lis, ok-sal-is ]

noun

1. any plant of the genus Oxalis, comprising the wood sorrels.

oxalis

/ ˈɒksəlɪs; ɒkˈsælɪs /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Oxalis, having clover-like leaves which contain oxalic acid and white, pink, red, or yellow flowers: family Oxalidaceae See also wood sorrel

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxalis¹

1595–1605; < Latin: garden sorrel, sour wine < Greek oxalís, derivative of oxýs sharp

Word History and Origins

Origin of oxalis¹

C18: via Latin from Greek: sorrel, sour wine, from oxus acid, sharp

Example Sentences

Her taste at the Reserve is expressed in the Rhododendron Glen, the Ravine, the candelabra primulas, ginger, cyclamen, oxalis and other wildflowers on the property.

From Seattle Times

She gets a lush, full look using coleus, caladium and oxalis, which all have foliage in burgundies and greens with interesting patterns and shapes.

From Washington Times

He paused in a clearing surrounded by live oaks, surveying a patch of oxalis and the thick grasses hiding his boots.

From Los Angeles Times

Ben Shewry, the young chef at Attica in Melbourne, harnesses the sour taste of oxalis in desserts.

From Newsweek

The undergrowth is a chaotic mix of weeds as high as basketball hoops and flowering shrubs like lantana, oleander and oxalis.

From New York Times