olive
olive definition
ol·ive (äl′iv)
noun
- an evergreen tree (Olea europaea) of the olive family, native to S Europe and the Near East, with leathery leaves, yellow flowers, and an edible fruit
- the small, oval fruit of this tree, eaten green or ripe as a relish, or pressed to extract olive oil
- the wood of this tree
- any of various plants resembling the olive
- an olive branch or wreath
- the dull, yellowish-green color of the unripe olive fruit
Etymology: OFr < L oliva < Gr elaia
adjective
- of the olive
- olive-colored
- having a dark complexion tinged with this color
- designating a family (Oleaceae, order Scrophulariales) of dicotyledonous trees and shrubs with loose clusters of four-parted flowers, including the ashes, lilacs, jasmines, and forsythias
Olive definition
Ol·ive (äl′iv)
noun
a feminine name: var. Olivia
Etymology: ME oliva < L, an olive
Browse dictionary definitions near olive
Also Mentioned In