Plain English Meaning
Yellow arrow-shaped lines painted on pavement that mean 'do not drive, take off, or land here.' The surface looks usable but is not safe for aircraft.
Full Definition
A pavement marking made up of yellow chevron-shaped stripes, indicating a paved area that is unsuitable for taxiing, takeoff, or landing. Aircraft must not operate on areas marked with yellow chevrons.
Context Anchor
Seen on some electronic attitude displays during instrument flying, especially when learning pitch control by reference to the instruments.
Derivation
A 'chevron' is a V-shaped or inverted-V shape, from the Old French 'chevron' meaning 'rafter' (because rafters meet at a similar angle). The yellow color and arrow-like shape together signal a warning to .