abaca

noun

ab·​a·​ca ˌa-bə-ˈkä How to pronounce abaca (audio)
ˈa-bə-ˌkä
1
: a strong fiber obtained from the leafstalk of a banana (Musa textilis) native to the Philippines

called also Manila hemp

2
: the plant that yields abaca

Examples of abaca in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dining room’s reclaimed-wood table and chairs are by Restoration Hardware, and the wing chairs are by Ralph Lauren Home; the curtains are of a Mulberry Home linen from Lee Jofa, the abaca rug is by Merida, and the walls are painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Smokey Salmon. Martin Bourne, ELLE Decor, 15 June 2023 These fine blotting sheets are made from natural abaca leaf, a banana relative known for its water-resistance and cleansing properties. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2023 The foundation sets a stylish yet carefree tone, topped with textural abaca placemats in an octagon shape bordered in navy blue. Krissa Rossbund, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2022 In the living room, there’s a graphic abaca rug in the shape of a slithering snake. Julia Bainbridge, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2020 Made in silk abaca straw, the hat finished off the royal mom’s all-pink chic look for the event back in July. Monique Jessen, PEOPLE.com, 12 Nov. 2019 The Josef Frank–style candlestick lamp is from Svenskt Tenn, the swing-arm lamp is by Ann-Morris, Inc., and the custom abaca rug is by Beauvais Carpets. Nancy Hass, ELLE Decor, 21 May 2018 Designer: DeAnna Gibbons, DeAnna Gibbons Millinery Dresses: A royal wedding guest Materials: Draped lilac silk abaca with handmade red silk flowers, red glass currents and yellow nose-length veil. Tony Bravo, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Jan. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Spanish abacá, from Tagalog abaká

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abaca was in 1751

Dictionary Entries Near abaca

Cite this Entry

“Abaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abaca. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

abaca

noun
ab·​a·​ca ˌab-ə-ˈkä How to pronounce abaca (audio)
ˈab-ə-ˌkä
: a strong fiber that comes from a banana plant native to the Philippines

called also Manila hemp

More from Merriam-Webster on abaca

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!