Raffia — Raf fi*a (r[a^]f f[i^]*[.a]), n. (Bot.) A fibrous material used for tying plants, said to come from the leaves of a palm tree of the genus {Raphia}. J. Smith (Dict. Econ. Plants). [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
raffia — (n.) 1729, rofia, from Malagasy rafia. Modern form is attested from 1882; also raphia (1866) … Etymology dictionary
raffia — ► NOUN ▪ fibre from the leaves of a tropical palm tree of Africa and Madagascar, used for making hats, baskets, etc. ORIGIN Malagasy … English terms dictionary
raffia — [raf′ē ə] n. [< Malagasy rofia] 1. a palm tree (Raphia ruffia) of Madagascar, with large, pinnate leaves 2. fiber from its leaves, used as string or woven into baskets, hats, etc … English World dictionary
raffia — /raf ee euh/, n. a fiber obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, used for tying plants and other objects and for making mats, baskets, hats, and the like. Also, raphia. [1880 85; earlier rofia raffia palm, said to be < Malagasy] * * * … Universalium
raffia — [[t]ræ̱fiə[/t]] N UNCOUNT: oft N n Raffia is a fibre made from palm leaves. It is used to make mats and baskets. Some embroidered tablecloths or made raffia mats … English dictionary
raffia — raf•fi•a [[t]ˈræf i ə[/t]] n. pln tex a fiber obtained from the leaves of the raffia palm, used for tying plants and other objects and for making mats, baskets, hats, etc • Etymology: 1880–85; earlier rofia raffia palm, said to be < Malagasy … From formal English to slang
raffia — noun Etymology: Malagasy rafia Date: 1882 the fiber of the raffia palm used especially as cord for tying and weaving … New Collegiate Dictionary
raffia — noun 1》 a palm tree of tropical Africa and Madagascar, with a short trunk and extremely long leaves. [Raphia ruffia.] 2》 the fibre from raffia leaves, used for making hats, baskets, etc. Origin C18: from Malagasy … English new terms dictionary
raffia — UK [ˈræfɪə] / US noun [uncountable] a rough substance used for making baskets and other objects. Raffia comes from the leaves of a palm tree … English dictionary
