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 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abaca.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 18 Mar. 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

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