RAFFIA - 7 definitions found
raffia n 1: leaf fibers of the raffia palm tree; used to make baskets and mats etc. [syn: raffia, raphia] 2: fiber of a raffia palm used as light cordage and in making hats and baskets 3: feather palm of tropical Africa and Madagascar and Central and South America widely grown for commercial purposes [syn: Raffia, genus Raffia, Raphia, genus Raphia] raffia 18c., from Malagasy rafia. Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition (2003) raffia noun Etymology: Malagasy rafia Date: 1882 the fiber of the raffia palm used especially as cord for tying and weaving Oxford English Reference Dictionary
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner\'s English Dictionary raffia Raffia is a fibre made from palm leaves. It is used to make mats and baskets. N-UNCOUNT: oft N n English Explanatory Dictionary raffia ˈræfɪə n. (also raphia) 1 a palm-tree, Raphia ruffia, native to Madagascar, having very long leaves. 2 the fibre from its leaves used for making hats, baskets, etc., and for tying plants etc. [Malagasy] Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) Raffia \Raf"fi*a\, n. (Bot.) A fibrous material used for tying plants, said to come from the leaves of a palm tree of the genus Raphia. --J. Smith (Dict. Econ. Plants). |
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