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Glite Dictionary
Raffia ruffia

Raffia ruffia

9.8
A large palm native to Africa and Madagascar with long divided leaves that gives strong fibers for weaving
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Raffia ruffia
  • The fibers of the Raffia ruffia palm are widely used in weaving baskets and mats.

Examples

  • Farmers in Madagascar harvest Raffia ruffia for its durable leaf fibers.

  • Many artisans use Raffia ruffia fibers for weaving.

  • The Raffia ruffia tree can reach impressive heights, towering over the surrounding vegetation.

  • The Raffia ruffia tree grows in tropical climates.

  • Farmers in Madagascar harvest Raffia ruffia for its durable leaf fibers used in various crafts.

  • The fibers of the Raffia ruffia palm are widely used in weaving baskets and mats for decoration.

  • Many artisans utilize Raffia ruffia fibers for creating intricate handwoven items.

Synonyms

raffia palm
vsRaffia ruffia
  • Specialized
8.3

A large tropical tree with very long feather-like leaves whose leaf stems give strong fiber

is the native specific form noted for very long divided fronds and fiber use
Raffia farinifera
vsRaffia ruffia
  • Specialized
9.9

A large palm tree from Africa and Madagascar whose long leaves give strong fibers used to make ropes and mats

is the same kind but named to emphasize its commercial fiber production
raffia
vsRaffia ruffia
  • Specialized
8.5

A tall tropical palm tree with strong fibrous leaves grown for weaving

is instead native mainly to Africa and Madagascar and tied to very long leafstalks

Surface Forms

Raffia ruffia singular
Raffia ruffias plural

Morphology

raffia + ruffia

The string repeats the known lexical item 'raffia', so a learner who knows 'raffia' could reasonably infer this refers to a type or species of raffia palm. However, 'ruffia' is not a productive English word and the detailed botanical properties in the definition are not derivable from the parts, and the form functions like a scientific/binomial name rather than a fully compositional phrase.

Etymology

Raffia ruffia names a tall palm with long, feather-like leaves that give strong fibers people strip into ribbons. Because those fibers were used for tying and weaving, the word 'raffia' came to mean the fiber itself, so the plant is remembered as the source of that useful material.