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raffia

[ raf-ee-uh ]

noun

  1. 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.


raffia

/ ˈræfɪə /

noun

  1. Also calledraffia palm a palm tree, Raphia ruffia , native to Madagascar, that has large plumelike leaves, the stalks of which yield a useful fibre
  2. the fibre obtained from this plant, used for tying, weaving, etc
  3. any of several related palms or the fibre obtained from them
“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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of raffia1

1880–85; earlier rofia raffia palm, said to be < Malagasy
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Word History and Origins

Origin of raffia1

C19: from Malagasy
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Example Sentences

Rabanna, ra-ban′a, n. matting made from the fibre of the raffia, in Madagascar.

Make a color card of silk, wool, paper or raffia showing colors that contrast.

Turn up the sides, fasten the corners together with raffia or cord, tying a small bow.

Be very careful to have the dyes strong enough, as raffia absorbs an enormous amount of coloring.

We receive the raffia in its natural state, but many colors may easily be had by dyeing.

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Rafferty rulesraffia palm