Definition

Noun: 1. A hard fiber used for making coarse twine: "Manila maguey" refers to a strong, durable natural fiber obtained from specific agave plants native to the Philippines. It is historically significant for its use in cordage and rough textiles.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The old ship's rigging was made from sturdy manila maguey.
  • Traditional mats in the region were often woven from manila maguey.

Advanced Usage

• As a material specification: The term can be used to specify the type of fiber in a product, emphasizing durability and a natural origin.
  • The gardener preferred rope made of manila maguey for its resistance to weather.

Variants and Related Words

• Manila hemp: A common alternative name for the same fiber, though it is not true hemp.
• Abacá: The more precise botanical and commercial name for the fiber derived from the plant. (Note: While sometimes used interchangeably in historical contexts, "manila maguey" typically refers to fiber from agave plants, whereas "abacá" is from a relative of the banana plant. Both are Philippine fibers used for cordage.)

Synonyms

• Cordage fiber
• Hard fiber

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes the fiber itself as a material, not the plant. It is associated with traditional, industrial, and maritime uses.
• Its name originates from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and "maguey," a general term for agave or century plants.

Noun

1. hard fiber used in making coarse twine; from Philippine agave plants