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Glite Dictionary
Raffia farinifera

Raffia farinifera

9.9
A large palm tree from Africa and Madagascar whose long leaves give strong fibers used to make ropes and mats
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Raffia farinifera
  • The Raffia farinifera is cultivated for its strong fiber, used to make ropes and mats.

Examples

  • Baskets woven from the leaves of Raffia farinifera are popular in West African markets.

  • Many artisans use Raffia farinifera fibers to create beautiful crafts.

  • Scientists are studying Raffia farinifera to improve sustainable fiber production.

  • The Raffia farinifera is known for its impressive height.

  • Baskets woven from the leaves of Raffia farinifera are popular in West African markets.

  • The Raffia farinifera is cultivated for its strong fiber, used to make ropes and mats.

  • Many artisans use Raffia farinifera fibers to create beautiful crafts.

Synonyms

Raffia ruffia
vsRaffia farinifera
  • Specialized
9.8

A large palm native to Africa and Madagascar with long divided leaves that gives strong fibers for weaving

is the specific species known for those same fibers
raffia palm
vsRaffia farinifera
  • Specialized
8.3

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

is the scientific species name rather than the general common name
raffia
vsRaffia farinifera
  • Specialized
8.5

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

is native only to Africa and Madagascar and not present in the Americas

Surface Forms

Raffia farinifera singular
Raffia fariniferas plural

Morphology

raffia + farinifera

This is a Latin binomial species name: knowing 'raffia' (a type of palm) allows a learner to infer that Raffia farinifera is a kind of raffia palm, so part of the meaning is compositional. However, the epithet 'farinifera' is a technical/Latin element unlikely to be understood by a B1 learner and does not transparently add the specific descriptive sense, so the overall transparency is partial.

Etymology

Raffia farinifera gets its name from the common name raffia for the long palm fibres and the Latin word farinifera, from 'farina' meaning 'flour', because parts of the plant can look a little powdery. So the name helps you remember a palm with very long, feather-like leaves whose strong fibres are used to make ropes, baskets and mats.