n. (Bot.) 1. The berrylike drupe of the elder. That of the Old World elder (Sambucus nigra) and that of the American sweet elder (S. Canadensis) are sweetish acid, and are eaten as a berry or made into wines or jellies. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. + WordNet 1.5 ]

2. the European variety of elder (see 3rd elder), a common black-fruited shrub or small tree of Europe and Asia; the fruit is used for wines and jellies.
Syn. -- bourtree, black elder, common elder, European elder, Sambucus nigra. [ WordNet 1.5 ]