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henequen

or hen·e·quin

[hen-uh-kin]
noun
  1. the fiber of an agave, Agave fourcroydes, of Yucatán, used for making ropes, coarse fabrics, etc.
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Origin of henequen

1875–80; < American Spanish henequén, earlier geniquén, jeniquén, heniquén, perhaps < an indigenous language of Hispaniola, where the word was allegedly first used
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for henequen

Historical Examples

  • A second year is allowed to pass before the henequen is planted.

    The American Egypt

    Channing Arnold

  • It is rumored that from the state of sisal and henequen he will pick his running-mate.

    Diplomatic Days

    Edith O'Shaughnessy

  • Attention is being turned to the cultivation of henequen, which has given favourable results in the neighbouring state of Yucatan.

    Mexico

    Charles Reginald Enock

  • Henequen offers many advantages to capital, especially to those investors who dislike to take chances on returns.

    The History of Cuba, vol. 5

    Willis Fletcher Johnson

  • Raul dismounted in front of a doorless hut, and began to pull off his corn sack, tugging at the leather thongs and henequen cords.

    When the Owl Cries

    Paul Bartlett

British Dictionary definitions for henequen

henequen

henequin or heniquen

noun
  1. an agave plant, Agave fourcroydes, that is native to Yucatán
  2. the fibre of this plant, used in making rope, twine, and coarse fabrics
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Word Origin

C19: from American Spanish henequén, probably of Taino origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012