raffia

[ raf-ee-uh ]

/ ˈræf i ə /

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noun

a fiber obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, used for tying plants and other objects and for making mats, baskets, hats, and the like.

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Also raphia.

Origin of raffia

1880–85; earlier rofia raffia palm, said to be <Malagasy

Words nearby raffia

RAF, raff, raffee, rafferty, Rafferty rules, raffia, raffia palm, raffinate, raffinose, raffish, raffle

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use raffia in a sentence

Rabanna, ra-ban′a, n. matting made from the fibre of the raffia, in Madagascar.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R)|Various
Make a color card of silk, wool, paper or raffia showing colors that contrast.
Textiles and Clothing|Kate Heintz Watson
Turn up the sides, fasten the corners together with raffia or cord, tying a small bow.
Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools|Virginia McGaw
Be very careful to have the dyes strong enough, as raffia absorbs an enormous amount of coloring.
Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools|Virginia McGaw

We receive the raffia in its natural state, but many colors may easily be had by dyeing.
Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools|Virginia McGaw

British Dictionary definitions for raffia

raffia

raphia

/ (ˈræfɪə) /

noun

Also called: raffia palm a palm tree, Raphia ruffia, native to Madagascar, that has large plumelike leaves, the stalks of which yield a useful fibre

the fibre obtained from this plant, used for tying, weaving, etc

any of several related palms or the fibre obtained from them

Word Origin for raffia

C19: from Malagasy

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