piassava

[ pee-uh-sah-vuh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Also called monkey grass. a coarse, woody fiber obtained from either of two palms, Leopoldina piassaba or Attalea funifera, of South America, used in making brooms, mats, etc.
either of these trees.

piassava

/ ˌpiːəˈsɑːbə; ˌpiːəˈsɑːvə /

either of two South American palm trees, Attalea funifera or Leopoldinia piassaba
the coarse fibre obtained from either of these trees, used to make brushes and rope

1825–35; < Portuguese < Tupi piaçaba

C19: via Portuguese from Tupi piaçaba

The fibre of the piassava (Leopoldinia piassava, or Attalea funifera) is widely used for cordage, brushes and brooms.

The most important palm of the country perhaps is the Raphia vinifera, which produces the piassava fibre of commerce.

Attalea, a genus of American palms, comprising the piassava palm, which produces coquilla-nuts.

Piassava is obtained from the Attalea funifera, also from the Leopoldina piassaba (Brazil).

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