weeping

Weeping is the act of shedding tears from the eyes, typically in response to emotions such as sadness, joy, or pain. It can also describe a plant growth habit in which branches and leaves hang downward in a drooping form, as seen in the weeping willow (Salix babylonica) and other cultivated varieties.

In humans, tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and form a tear film that lubricates and protects the eye. There are three commonly described tear types: basal tears that continuously coat the eye, reflex tears produced in response to irritants, and emotional tears released during feelings or distress. Tears drain through the nasolacrimal system into the nasal cavity. Emotional tears may differ in composition from reflex or basal tears, and crying can serve biological and social functions, including stress reduction and communication of affect or need for support. The frequency and acceptability of crying vary by individual and culture.

Medical conditions can disrupt normal tear flow, causing either excessive tearing (epiphora) or insufficient tearing, which can lead to dry eye. Diagnosis and treatment focus on the tear production, drainage pathways, and ocular surface health.

Culturally, weeping is a prominent motif in literature, art, and religion, often symbolizing grief, empathy, or compassion. In horticulture and design contexts, the term also describes plants or decorative features with hanging, downward-growing characteristics.