any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix
"The weeping willow grew gracefully along the riverbank, its long branches dipping into the water."
a textile machine having a system of revolving spikes for opening and cleaning raw textile fibers
"The factory installed a new willow to efficiently clean the raw cotton before spinning."
Any of various deciduous trees or shrubs in the genus Salix, in the willow family Salicaceae, found primarily on moist soils in cooler zones in the northern hemisphere.
"The graceful willows lining the riverbank swayed gently in the cool breeze."
In plain English: A willow is a type of tree with long, flexible branches and leaves that often grows near water.
"The children played hide-and-seek behind the tall willow tree by the riverbank."
Usage: Willow refers to various deciduous trees or shrubs that thrive in cool, damp environments rather than hot climates. The term is often confused with "sallow," which describes the pale yellow-green color associated with these plants but does not denote the tree itself.
To open and cleanse (cotton, flax, wool, etc.) by means of a willow.
"The spinner would scrape the raw cotton between her knees using a forked branch to separate and clean the fibers before spinning them into thread."
In plain English: To willow means to bend your body down low, usually by leaning forward with your head near your knees.
"The heavy coat willowed in the wind, dragging behind him across the muddy path."
A female given name from English of modern usage.
"The willow was a popular choice for her baby girl's name, following the trend among their friends."
From Middle English wilwe, welew, variant of wilghe, from Old English welig, from Proto-West Germanic wilig, from Proto-Germanic wiligaz, from Proto-Indo-European welik- (compare (Arcadian) Ancient Greek ἑλίκη (helíkē), Hittite 𒌑𒂖𒆪 (welku, "grass")), from wel- ("twist, turn").