online medical dictionary | definition of sorrel

Of a yellowish or redish brown colour; as, a sorrel horse.

Origin: F. Saur, saure, OF. Sor, sore, probably of Teutonic origin; cf. D. Zoor dry, LG. Soor; the meaning probably coming from the colour of dry leaves. See Sear, and cf. Sorel.

<botany> One of various plants having a sour juice; especially, a plant of the genus Rumex, as Rumex Acetosa, Rumex Acetosella, etc. Mountain sorrel. Any plant of the genus Oxalis.

Origin: F. Surelle, fr. Sur sour, fr. OHG. Sr sour. See Sour.

(04 Mar 1998)