phormium

noun

phor·​mi·​um

ˈfȯ(r)mēəm

1

capitalized : a genus of herbs (family Liliaceae) with rigid sword-shaped leaves and red or yellow flowers on a leafless scape see new zealand flax

2

plural -s : a hard fiber from New Zealand flax used for bagging and cordage

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek phormion, a plant, small mat, diminutive of phormos mat, basket for carrying corn, from pherein to carry

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