esparto

American  

[ih-spahr-toh] / ɪˈspɑr toʊ /

Or esparto grass

noun

plural

espartos

1. any of several grasses, especially Stipa tenacissima, of southern Europe and northern Africa, used for making paper, cordage, etc.

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esparto British  

/ ɛˈspɑːtəʊ /

noun

1. any of various grasses, esp Stipa tenacissima of S Europe and N Africa, that yield a fibre used to make ropes, mats, etc

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Etymology

Origin of esparto

1585–95; < Spanish < Latin spartum < Greek spárton rope made of spártos kind of rush

Example Sentences

“This is esparto,” Father says.

From Literature

“It is rough but useful. See the rope tying our things to the donkey’s back? That is esparto. See Naomi’s espadrille sandals? Esparto. The basket we use to carry our bread, that’s esparto too. Even the roughest material can be turned into beautiful and useful things by one who knows how to work it.”

From Literature

Young and old join hands and dance and stomp on the esparto grass to create a smooth bed for everyone, and we lay our blankets down.

From Literature

The raid was connected to an ongoing investigation into a massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in the rural Yolo County community of Esparto in July, the source said.

From Los Angeles Times

There have been no criminal charges filed in connection to the explosion and fire that ripped through a pyrotechnic company warehouse in the rural farming community of Esparto, Calif., on July 1.

From Los Angeles Times