1. A Mediterranean evergreen tree (Olea europaea) having fragrant white flowers, usually lance-shaped leathery leaves, and edible drupes.
2. The small ovoid fruit of this tree, an important food and source of oil.
3. A yellow green of low to medium lightness and low to moderate saturation.

[Middle English, from Latin olīva, from Greek *elaiwā, elaiā.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.