| 1. | either of two European trees, Sorbus domestica, bearing a small, acid fruit that is edible when overripe, or S. torminalis (wild service tree), bearing a similar fruit. |
| 2. | serviceberry (defs. 2, 3). |
| service tree n. Either of two Mediterranean trees (Sorbus domestica or S. torminalis) having clusters of white flowers, saw-toothed leaves, and edible brownish fruit. [From Middle English serves, pl. of serve, the service tree, from Old English syrfe, from Vulgar Latin *sorbea, from Latin sorbus.] |