Webster's English Dictionary

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cypress

1. cy.press \'si--pr*s\ n [ME, fr. OF cipre's, fr. L cyparissus, fr. Gk 
   kyparissos] 1a1: any of a genus (Cupressus) of mostly evergreen trees of 
   the pine  family with symmetrical habit 1a2: any of several related trees; 
   esp : either of two large swamp  trees (Taxodium distichum and T. 
   ascendens) of the southern U.S. with hard red wood used for shingles 1b: 
   the wood of a cypress tree  2: branches of cypress used as a symbol of 
   mourning 
2. cypress \'si--pr*s\ n [ME ciprus, cipres, fr. Cyprus, Mediterranean 
   island] : a silk or cotton usu. black gauze formerly used for mourning