Adjacent Words

esparto definitions

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Merriam Webster's

noun (plural -tos) Etymology: Spanish, from Latin spartum, from Greek sparton — more at spire Date: 1845 1. either of two Spanish and Algerian grasses (Stipa tenacissima and Lygeum spartum) used especially to make cordage, shoes, and paper — called also esparto grass 2. the fiber of esparto

Britannica Concise

Either of two species of gray-green needlegrasses (Stipa tenacissima and Lygeum spartum), native to S Spain and N Africa, or the fiber produced by esparto.L. spartum grows in rocky soil on the high plains. S. tenacissima flourishes in sandy, iron-rich soils in dry, sunny locations on the seacoast. Esparto fiber has great strength and flexibility; it is used for making ropes, sandals, baskets, mats, and other durable articles. Esparto leaves are used in the manufacture of paper.

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. (pl. -os) (in full esparto grass) a coarse grass, Stipa tenacissima, native to Spain and N. Africa, with tough narrow leaves, used to make ropes, wickerwork, and good-quality paper. Etymology: Sp. f. L spartum f. Gk sparton rope

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Esparto Es*par"to, n. [Sp.; cf. L. spartum Spanish broom, Gr. ?.] (Bot.) A species of Spanish grass (Macrochloa tenacissima), of which cordage, shoes, baskets, etc., are made. It is also used for making paper.