olive

English

/ˈɒlɪv/, /ˈɑlɪv/

noun
Definitions
  • A tree, Olea europaea, cultivated since ancient times in the Mediterranean for its fruit and the oil obtained from it.
  • The small oval fruit of this tree, eaten ripe (usually black) or unripe (usually green).
  • The wood of the olive tree.
  • A dark yellowish-green color, that of an unripe olive.
  • (neuroanatomy) An olivary body, part of the medulla oblongata.
  • A component of a plumbing compression joint; a ring which is placed between the nut and the pipe and compressed during fastening to provide a seal.
  • (cookery) A small slice of meat seasoned, rolled up, and cooked.
  • Any shell of the genus Oliva and allied genera; so called from the shape.
  • (UK) An oystercatcher, a shore bird.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English olyve borrowed from Old French olive (olive tree, olive) derived from Latin olīva (olive) derived from Etruscan 𐌄𐌋𐌄𐌉𐌅𐌀 derived from Proto-Indo-European *loiwom.

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*loiwom

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms