Cȳ'press, n.

n. [Lat. cupressus, Gr. κυπάρισσος, Fr. cyprès. Cf. Gr. κύπρος, a tree growing in Cyprus, Heb. ko'pher, Gen. vi. 14.] (Bot.) A tree of the genus Cupressus, belonging to the coniferous family, mostly evergreen, and having wood remarkable for its durability.

Among the species are the common European cypress, C. sempervirens, the evergreen American cypress, C. thyoides, and the deciduous American cypress, Taxodium distichum. As having anciently been used at funerals, and to adorn tombs, it is an emblem of mourning and sadness.