raphia
9.9
A strong flexible fiber from a palm leaf used to weave baskets and mats
- noun
- /ˈræfiə/
:
rafia
- The most respected are straw hats (komi pee) woven from raffia fiber (Raphia ruffia), which the Dangme call soni.
Examples
-
The artisan skillfully crafted a basket using raphia to give it strength and flexibility.
-
The handmade mat was made entirely from raphia, showcasing the craftsmanship of the local weavers.
-
She prefers to use raphia for tying the garden plants because it is strong and durable.
Synonyms
2
7.5
A strong natural fiber from the leaves of a palm used for weaving
has identical meaning but is spelled with one f rather than two
How Flexible
Surface Forms
Etymology
Raphia comes from the name of the raffia palm and entered English via Spanish and French words for that tree, so it literally means the strong 'palm' fiber used for weaving baskets, mats, and other goods.