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willow definition

wil·low (wil′ō)

noun

    1. any of a genus (Salix) of trees and shrubs of the willow family, having usually narrow leaves, single, slipper-shaped bud scales, and staminate and pistillate catkins borne on separate plants: the flexible twigs of certain species are used in weaving baskets, chair seats, etc.
    2. the wood of any of these trees
  2. a machine with revolving spikes for cleaning raw wool, cotton, etc.

  3. Etymology: orig. made of willow

    Informal a baseball bat or cricket bat

Etymology: ME wilwe < OE welig, akin to Du wilg < IE base *wel-, to turn, twist, bend > Gr helix, spiral, helikē, willow

adjective

designating a family (Salicaceae, order Salicales) of dicotyledonous trees and shrubs including poplars

transitive verb

to clean (wool, cotton, etc.) with a willow

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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