bast

noun

ˈbast 

1

: phloem

2

: bast fiber

Examples of bast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many lacked boots and had to resort to bast shoes made from birch bark. —Antony Beevor, Foreign Affairs, 29 Dec. 2022

Wyndham wanted to evolve humans past their prime bast, the Beyonders (a group of beings who exist outside the Multiverse and are supremely powerful). —William Goodman, Men's Health, 6 May 2023

Soaking [the fibers] in water aids in their separation and can soften and improve the quality of the bast. —Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 13 Apr. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, going back to Old English bæst, going back to Germanic *basta- (whence also Middle Dutch, Old High German, and Old Norse bast "bast fiber"), of obscure origin

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bast

• bast fiber

Kids Definition

bast

noun

ˈbast 

: a strong woody fiber obtained chiefly from the phloem of plants and used especially in fabrics and ropes or cords