[wil-oh] 
| 1. | any tree or shrub of the genus Salix, characterized by narrow, lance-shaped leaves and dense catkins bearing small flowers, many species having tough, pliable twigs or branches used for wickerwork, etc. Compare willow family. |
| 2. | the wood of any of these trees. |
| 3. | Informal. something, esp. a cricket bat, made of willow wood. |
| 4. | Also called willower, willy. a machine consisting essentially of a cylinder armed with spikes revolving within a spiked casing, for opening and cleaning cotton or other fiber. |
| 5. | to treat (textile fibers) with a willow. |
