Definition

Noun: 1. A species of palm tree: A tall fan palm (Borassus flabellifer) native to regions including Africa, India, and Malaysia. It is valued for its hard wood, sweet sap (which can be made into palm wine or sugar), and large leaves, which are used for thatching and weaving.

Usage Examples

• The lontar palm is a crucial source of materials in many rural communities.
• They collected sap from the lontar to produce a traditional sweetener.
• The durable leaves of the lontar are ideal for making roofs and baskets.

Advanced Usage

• The term lontar can also refer to manuscripts written on dried leaves from this specific palm tree, particularly in Indonesian cultures, though this is a distinct, culturally specific meaning derived from the primary botanical definition.

Variants and Related Words

• Palmyra palm: Another common name for the tree.
• Toddy palm: A name referring to the same tree, highlighting its use for producing fermented sap (toddy).

Synonyms

• Palmyra palm
• Toddy palm
• (scientific name)

Related Phrases

• Lontar leaf: Specifically refers to the prepared leaf of the palm used for writing or crafting.
• Lontar manuscript: A text inscribed on a processed leaf of the lontar palm.

Noun

1. tall fan palm of Africa and India and Malaysia yielding a hard wood and sweet sap that is a source of palm wine and sugar; leaves used for thatching and weaving