raffia

[ raf-ee-uh ]

/ ˈræf i ə /

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.

Nearby words

raff, joseph joachim, raffe, raffee, rafferty, rafferty rules, raffia, raffia palm, raffinate, raffinose, raffish, raffishly

Also raphia.

Origin of raffia

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for raffia

Now with the raffia weave in and out, interlace the thread at the corners, and draw it tight enough to hold the splints in place.
Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools|Virginia McGaw
Wind the raffia strands with the strand carrying the needle, sewing the coil thus made to the center.
Text Books of Art Education, Book IV (of 7)|Hugo B. Froehlich
There is mentioned a raffia napkin ring in comparison with the one of reed.
Construction Work for Rural and Elementary Schools|Virginia McGaw
The use of dyes is taught, and information given about raffia, rattan, and other necessary materials.
A Mother's List of Books for Children|Gertrude Weld Arnold

This weave may also be used with raffia to make matting for the dining-room floor.
Primary Handwork|Ella Victoria Dobbs

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