a tree (olea europaea) with small oblong or elliptical leaves, axillary clusters of flowers, and oval, one-seeded drupes. the tree has been cultivated for its fruit for thousands of years, and its branches are the emblems of peace. the wood is yellowish brown and beautifully variegated.-the fruit of the olive. it has been much improved by cultivation, and is used for making pickles. olive oil is pressed from its flesh.-any shell of the genus oliva and allied genera; -- so called from the form. see oliva.-the oyster catcher.-the color of the olive, a peculiar dark brownish, yellowish, or tawny green.-one of the tertiary colors, composed of violet and green mixed in equal strength and proportion.-an olivary body. see under olivary.-a small slice of meat seasoned, rolled up, and cooked; as, olives of beef or veal.-approaching the color of the olive; of a peculiar dark brownish, yellowish, or tawny green.