Dictionary

hemlock

noun hem·lock \ˈhem-ˌläk\

: 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

Full Definition of HEMLOCK

1
a :  any of several poisonous herbs (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
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of HEMLOCK

Middle English hemlok, from Old English hemlic
First Known Use: before 12th century
HEMLOCK Defined for Kids

hemlock

noun hem·lock \ˈhem-ˌläk\

Definition of HEMLOCK for Kids

1
:  an evergreen tree related to the pine
2
:  a poisonous plant with small white flowers and leaves divided into many parts
Medical Dictionary

hemlock

noun hem·lock \ˈhem-ˌläk\

Medical Definition of HEMLOCK

1
a :  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 2
2
:  a drug or lethal drink prepared from the poison hemlock—compare coniine
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears