nipa

[ nee-puh ]

noun

1. a palm, Nypa fruticans, of India, the Philippines, etc., whose foliage is used for thatching, basketry, etc.

nipa

/ ˈnaɪ-; ˈniːpə /

noun

1. a palm tree, Nipa fruticans, of S and SE Asia, having feathery leaves, used for thatching, and edible fruit
2. the fruit or thatch obtained from this tree
3. the sap of this tree, used to make a liquor

Word History and Origins

Origin of nipa¹

1580–90; < New Latin < Malay nipah

Word History and Origins

Origin of nipa¹

C16: from Malay nīpah

Example Sentences

The species does not grow in nipa swamps, though immediately back of them it will be found well established.

From Project Gutenberg

Her hat was of woven nipa palm-leaves, intricately fashioned together.

From Project Gutenberg

Koyala led him directly to the clearing and reclined with a sigh of utter weariness in the shade of a stunted nipa palm.

From Project Gutenberg

It was nipa within as well as without, the floor and ceiling being of braided bamboo and the walls of the nipa-palm.

From Project Gutenberg

On every side buildings crashed down, sending showers of sparks over the inflammable thatched roof of the nipa house.

From Project Gutenberg