istle

A woman weaves a basket from istle fibers.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A plant fiber: "istle" refers to a strong, coarse fiber obtained from certain agave plants (especially Agave sisalana or related species), used for making cordage, nets, and similar products.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The rope was woven from high-quality istle. (The rope was made from the strong fiber of agave plants.)
  • Fishermen prefer istle for their nets because it is durable and resistant to saltwater. (The fiber is used for making fishing nets due to its strength.)

Advanced Usage

• "istle cordage": rope or string made from istle fiber.
  • The ancient people used istle cordage for binding tools and building shelters. (The fiber was twisted into rope for practical uses.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ixtle (n): an alternative spelling of "istle," referring to the same fiber.

  • The market sells ixtle for basket weaving. (The same fiber is available under a different spelling.)

• Sisal (n): a type of agave plant from which istle is often harvested; also the fiber itself.

  • Sisal is a common source of istle. (The plant yields the fiber.)

Synonyms

• Fiber: a threadlike material from plants or animals.
• Cordage fiber: any plant fiber used for making ropes or cords.

Related Idioms

Phrasal Verbs