Manila hemp

American  

noun

1. a fibrous material made from the leafstalks of the abacá, Musa textilis, used for making ropes, fabrics, etc.

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Manila hemp British  

noun

1. a fibre obtained from the plant abaca, used for rope, paper, etc

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Etymology

Origin of Manila hemp

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Manila hemp

The stalk contains 10-20% of a fiber that is superior to cotton and linen intensile strength, second only to Manila hemp.

From Time Magazine Archive

Manila hemp comes from abaca, a plant much like the one bananas grow on.

From Time Magazine Archive

Chief among these are of course Manila hemp and tobacco.

From A History of the Philippines by David P. Barrows

The best Manila hemp ought to be white, dry, and of a long and fine fibre.

From Little Masterpieces of Science: Explorers by George Iles

The best Manila hemp ought to be white, dry, and of a long and fine fiber.

From The Former Philippines thru Foreign Eyes by Austin Craig