hemlock
noun
hem·lock
| \ ˈhem-ˌläk
\
\
Definition of hemlock
1a
: any of several poisonous herbs (such as a poison hemlock or a water hemlock) of the carrot family having finely cut leaves and small white flowers
b
: a drug or lethal drink prepared from the poison hemlock
2
: any of a genus (Tsuga) of evergreen coniferous trees of the pine family
also
: the soft light splintery wood of a hemlock
Examples of hemlock in a Sentence
Socrates died after drinking hemlock.
Recent Examples on the Web
At Science's request, Fei used that study's data to calculate the death rate for different sizes of hemlock, ash, and birch trees, with and without infestation. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Sturdy as they are, giant trees are particularly susceptible to these three killers," 4 Sep. 2019 The Trail of Cedars near Avalanche Creek is a mile-long loop that goes through an old-growth cedar and hemlock forest, perfect for all ages. — Justin Franz, The Know, "Have Glacier National Park to yourself," 1 Sep. 2019 The Trail of Cedars near Avalanche Creek is a milelong loop that goes through an old-growth cedar and hemlock forest, perfect for all ages. — Justin Franz, Houston Chronicle, "Have Glacier National Park to yourself in the fall," 30 Aug. 2019 Larkspur typically flowers earlier in the year, while hemlock, another deadly plant, grows only around rivers and streams — not the dry forests where the bulls were found. — oregonlive.com, "Mysterious Oregon cattle killings, mutilations alarm ranchers," 22 Aug. 2019 The home is set amid gardens, assorted sculptural works, an atrium with small pool, studios, and two galleries, all surrounded by towering white pines, hemlocks, maples, and birches. — Steve Burkholder, BostonGlobe.com, "Two fine arts sites beckon in New Hampshire," 25 July 2019 That money was used to fund grassland restoration efforts benefitting Michigan pheasants, rabbits and elk, and the eradication of the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive insect that has the potential to decimate trees across the state. — Michigan Wildlife Council, Detroit Free Press, "Proposed legislation boosts funding for Michigan conservation efforts," 28 June 2019 Survey work by the Ohio Division of Forestry in the Shawnee State Forest in Adams County revealed the presence of the hemlock woolly adelgid. — Sheila Vilvens, Cincinnati.com, "The latest invasive insect has 'sucking mouthparts' that kill hemlock trees," 11 May 2018 In southeast Alaska, the normally lush forests are falling prey to spruce bark beetles and hemlock sawflys, which are taking advantage of a lack of rainfall and higher than average temperatures. — Matthew Cappucci And Andrew Freedman, chicagotribune.com, "More freak weather comes to Alaska, which has had an unprecedented summer," 19 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hemlock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for hemlock
hemlock
noun
English Language Learners Definition of hemlock
: an evergreen tree with soft wood
: a type of poisonous plant that has small white flowers
: a deadly drug or drink made from this plant
See the full definition for hemlock in the English Language Learners Dictionary
hemlock
noun
hem·lock
| \ ˈhem-ˌläk
\
\
Kids Definition of hemlock
1
: an evergreen tree related to the pine
2
: a poisonous plant with small white flowers and leaves divided into many parts
hemlock
noun
hem·lock
| \ ˈhem-ˌläk
\
\
Medical Definition of hemlock
1a
: any of several poisonous herbs (as a poison hemlock or a water hemlock) of the carrot family (Umbelliferae) having finely cut leaves and small white flowers
b
: conium sense 2
2
: a drug or lethal drink prepared from the poison hemlock — compare coniine
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