Definition

Noun 1. A tall perennial herb of tropical Asia with dark green leaves; cultivated for the fiber from its woody stems that resembles flax. * This is the primary definition, referring to a specific plant species (Boehmeria nivea) known for its strong, bast fiber.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The strong, silky fiber from china grass is used to make textiles and ropes.
  • Farmers in the region have cultivated china grass for generations.
  • Botanists studied the growth patterns of china grass in different climates.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in botanical, agricultural, and textile contexts to specify the plant as a source of fiber, distinguishing it from other fiber plants like flax or hemp.
• In historical or trade contexts, "china grass" may refer specifically to the raw fiber or fabric (often called ramie) produced from this plant.

Variants and Related Words

• Ramie (n): The name for the durable textile fiber obtained from china grass, and the fabric made from it.
  • Her dress was made of lightweight ramie.
• Boehmeria nivea (n): The scientific, botanical name for the china grass plant.

Synonyms

• Ramie plant: A direct synonym emphasizing the plant as the source of ramie fiber.
• Rhea: Another less common name for the same plant or its fiber.

Notes on Meaning

• "China grass" refers specifically to the plant itself. The fiber it produces is called ramie. While closely related, they are distinct terms: one is the source (the plant), and the other is the product (the fiber/fabric).

Noun

1. tall perennial herb of tropical Asia with dark green leaves; cultivated for the fiber from its woody stems that resembles flax