piassava

[ pee-uh-sah-vuh ]

noun

1. Also called monkey grass. a coarse, woody fiber obtained from either of two palms, Leopoldina piassaba or Attalea funifera, of South America, used in making brooms, mats, etc.
2. either of these trees.

piassava

/ ˌpiːəˈsɑːbə; ˌpiːəˈsɑːvə /

noun

1. either of two South American palm trees, Attalea funifera or Leopoldinia piassaba
2. the coarse fibre obtained from either of these trees, used to make brushes and rope

Word History and Origins

Origin of piassava¹

1825–35; < Portuguese < Tupi piaçaba

Word History and Origins

Origin of piassava¹

C19: via Portuguese from Tupi piaçaba

Example Sentences

The fibre of the piassava (Leopoldinia piassava, or Attalea funifera) is widely used for cordage, brushes and brooms.

From Project Gutenberg

The most important palm of the country perhaps is the Raphia vinifera, which produces the piassava fibre of commerce.

From Project Gutenberg

Attalea, a genus of American palms, comprising the piassava palm, which produces coquilla-nuts.

From Project Gutenberg

Piassava is obtained from the Attalea funifera, also from the Leopoldina piassaba (Brazil).

From Project Gutenberg