abaca
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1 the plant (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Sciencea type of banana plant grown for its strong fibers rather than its fruit.
a plant species, Musa textilis, cultivated primarily in the Philippines for its leaf stalks.
ExampleFarmers in the Philippines harvest abaca to produce high-quality materials for export.
ExampleThe cultivation of abaca remains a vital industry in Southeast Asia, as the plant thrives in the volcanic soil and humid climate of the archipelago.
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2 the fiber (n.) C2 Proficiency Technicala very strong natural fiber used to make rope, paper, and tea bags.
the durable, water-resistant fiber extracted from the leaf sheaths of the abaca plant.
ExampleThe ship's thick ropes were made of abaca because it stays strong in salt water.
ExampleIndustrial manufacturers prefer abaca for specialized paper products, such as banknotes and tea bags, due to its exceptional tensile strength and resistance to water damage.
UsageUncountable when referring to the material.
From Spanish abacá, from Tagalog abaka.