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Russian olive
noun
: a Eurasian large shrub or small tree (Elaeagnus angustifolia) of the oleaster family that has silvery foliage and is widely cultivated especially as an ornamental or as a shelterbelt plant
Examples of Russian olive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
During the Great Depression, Russian olive trees were planted to help reduce soil erosion, but those trees are now considered an invasive species that sucks up water.
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Joseph Lee, Vox, 26 Nov. 2024
Mounds of mulch from ground-up invasive trees, including a crop of Russian olives, have been used to mitigate dust.
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Tony Semerad, The Salt Lake Tribune, 30 Aug. 2023
Ragweed, mesquite, junipers and Russian olive trees produce less showy flowers but some of the most vexatious airborne irritants.
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The Arizona Republic, 12 Apr. 2023
Water-sucking invasive Russian olive began springing up in the watershed, further degrading water quality and wildlife habitat.
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Leia Larsen, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Dec. 2022
Meanwhile invasive Russian olive and tamarisk trees have moved in beneath the canopy, all fire-prone species.
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Jim Robbins, Wired, 25 June 2022
Late Thursday, authorities ordered residents to evacuate from the roughly 70 homes amid the sage, poplars and Russian olive trees that line the shallow, alkali lake.
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Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2021
Wake up to waves crashing along the shoreline, then explore the dunes at Napeague Harbor, take a hike through Russian olive and pine trees, and surf or kayak in the ocean.
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Maura Fox, Outside Online, 28 Sep. 2020
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Word History
First Known Use
1886, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near Russian olive
Cite this Entry
“Russian olive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Russian%20olive. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
More from Merriam-Webster on Russian olive
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Russian olive
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