Pronunciation: [hˈɛmlɒks] (IPA) 
The word "hemlocks" is spelled with three syllables: "hem", "locks", and a stress on the second syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈhɛmlɑks/. The "h" sound in "hem" is followed by "e" as in "bed", "m" and "l" sounds are pronounced as usual while "o" in "locks" is pronounced like "ah" in "father". "S" is pronounced as "z". This word refers to a poisonous tree, commonly found in North America.
Hemlocks, primarily referring to the plant genus Tsuga, can be defined as coniferous trees and shrubs that belong to the family Pinaceae. They are evergreen and typically found in North America and eastern Asia. Hemlocks are characterized by their tall, pyramid-shaped stature, with some species reaching heights of up to 200 feet (61 meters). They have dense foliage consisting of short, flat needles that are typically dark green or blue-green in color.
The term "hemlocks" can also refer to the poisonous plant species Conium maculatum, commonly known as poison hemlock. Poison hemlock is an herbaceous biennial plant that grows in a variety of habitats, including fields, roadsides, and wastelands. It is native to Europe and North Africa but has spread to other parts of the world. Poison hemlock is known for its hollow, purple-spotted stems and fern-like leaves. Consumption of poison hemlock can be toxic and, in severe cases, even fatal, making it important to properly identify and avoid this plant.
In a broader sense, "hemlocks" can refer to any plants, trees, or shrubs that bear the characteristics of the aforementioned definitions, such as being coniferous and evergreen.
The word "hemlocks" has its roots in Old English and shares its origins with the word "hemlēac", which referred to a species of the tree. This term can be broken down into two parts: "hemme", meaning "a border or piece of land marked out for individual ownership" or "a covering or shelter", and "lēac", meaning "leek" or "plant". Therefore, "hemlēac" can be interpreted as "land sheltering plant" or "bordered plant". Over time, the term evolved into "hemlock" to specifically refer to the poisonous plant of the Conium genus.
