rattan

Sometimes ra·tan

[ra-tan, ruh-]

noun

1. Also called rattan palm. any of various climbing palms of the genus Calamus or allied genera.

2. the tough stems of such palms, used for wickerwork, canes, etc.

3. a stick or switch of this material.

rattan

/ ræˈtæn /

noun

1. any of the climbing palms of the genus Calamus and related genera, having tough stems used for wickerwork and canes

2. the stems of such plants collectively

3. a stick made from one of these stems

Word History and Origins

Origin of rattan¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rattan¹

C17: from Malay rōtan

Example Sentences

Atop a wooden mezzanine, a rattan back desk sits among chestnut-colored dining chairs.

From Los Angeles Times

We settle into rattan chairs overlooking the South China Sea.

From Salon

The slideshow begins with a black-and-white photograph of a man with light hair, a cap and glasses standing behind a tall rattan chair where an older woman is seated.

From Los Angeles Times

Picture rattan furniture, blue and white ceramics, and seashell motifs paired with cozy knitted throws and floral prints.

From Seattle Times

She sold flatware, stemware and linens, setting the pieces out on antique furniture — marble topped butcher tables, rattan settees, Art Deco bars — which, because customers asked, she began to sell too.

From New York Times