The word "yew" primarily refers to an evergreen coniferous tree or shrub belonging to the genus Taxus , known for its flat, needle-like leaves and small red berries. The European yew (Taxus baccata) is a common example. Yew trees are notable for their longevity and have historically been symbols of death, immortality, and resurrection. The wood of the yew is fine-grained, elastic, and traditionally used for making archers' bows and other durable items. The tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Yew wood and branches have cultural significance, often associated with funerals and solemn ceremonies
. Additionally, "yew" is a homophone with other English words such as "ewe" (a female sheep) and "you" (a pronoun), but it specifically denotes the tree or its wood
. In summary, "yew" means:
- An evergreen tree or shrub of the genus Taxus with needle-like leaves and red berries.
- The wood of this tree, valued for its strength and elasticity.
- Historically and culturally symbolic of death, immortality, and used in archery
