rattan

[ ra-tan, ruh- ]

noun

Also called rattan palm . any of various climbing palms of the genus Calamus or allied genera.
the tough stems of such palms, used for wickerwork, canes, etc.

a stick or switch of this material.

Origin of rattan

First recorded in 1600–10; by uncertain mediation from Malay rōtan, alleged to derive from rout “scrape off, trim” with -an nominalizing suffix

Sometimes ra·tan .

Words Nearby rattan

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

How to use rattan in a sentence

Reed, willow, rattan … strong, durable fibers that are lightweight.
Hints From Heloise: Outlet shopping | Heloise Heloise | April 8, 2021 | Washington Post
This set merges the durability and quality of metal with the warmth of elements like rattan and wood grain.
Small patio sets that maximize your outdoor space | PopSci Commerce Team | January 13, 2021 | Popular-Science
As the marines followed Green in, led by Major Russell with his rattan cane, one of them was shot in the face, and another killed.
When Robert E. Lee Met John Brown and Saved the Union | Michael Korda | May 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The rein was fastened to a piece of split rattan drawn through the animal's nose.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin | Mary Hazelton Wade
Then with the aid of rattan nooses they drew it up on the shore, and with their sharp knives proceeded to strip away the skin.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin | Mary Hazelton Wade

Nevertheless, this modern Epaminondas made use of the rattan in his choleric moments, and advised its use!
The Reign of Greed | Jose Rizal
In one hand he carries a short rattan stick, which he twirls in his fingers carelessly.
Tin-Types Taken in the Streets of New York | Lemuel Ely Quigg
It was there that I learned the art of weaving reeds and rattan, and carving curious designs upon wood.
The Surprises of Life | Georges Clemenceau

British Dictionary definitions for rattan

rattan

ratan

/ (ræˈtæn) /

noun

any of the climbing palms of the genus Calamus and related genera, having tough stems used for wickerwork and canes
the stems of such plants collectively

a stick made from one of these stems

Origin of rattan

C17: from Malay rōtan

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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