wild olive

• Terme désignant diverses espèces d'arbres ou d'arbustes apparentés à l'olivier commun (Olea europaea), mais poussant à l'état sauvage, produisant souvent des fruits plus petits ou moins comestibles. Peut aussi désigner métaphoriquement quelque chose de non cultivé ou de sauvage.

A term referring to various species of trees or shrubs that are related to the common olive tree (Olea europaea) but grow in the wild, often producing smaller or less palatable fruit. It can also refer metaphorically to something untamed or uncultivated.

1. A type of tree or shrubB2formal

   A wild or uncultivated species of olive tree, often smaller and with smaller fruit than the cultivated olive.

   oléastre, olivier sauvage

   • The wild olive tree grows naturally in the Mediterranean region.
   • Its fruit is less fleshy than that of the cultivated olive.
   • Wild olive wood is often used for carving and small crafts.

2. Symbolic or metaphorical useC1formal

   Used in literature or speech to represent something untamed, natural, or of lesser value compared to a cultivated counterpart.

   olivier sauvage (sens symbolique)

   • In the poem, the wild olive symbolizes resilience in harsh conditions.
   • He compared his rough ideas to a wild olive, needing refinement.
   • The wild olive branch was offered as a sign of peace, but from a humble source.