Definition

Noun: 1. A strong, durable fiber obtained from the leaves of the Agave sisalana plant: This is a natural plant fiber, also simply called "sisal," primarily used for making cordage, twine, and rope due to its strength and resistance to deterioration in saltwater.

Usage Notes

• "Sisal hemp" is a compound noun. The word "sisal" alone is the most common term for this fiber. The addition of "hemp" historically indicates its use as a cordage fiber, similar to true hemp, but it is botanically unrelated to the hemp plant ().
• It is typically used as a non-count (mass) noun when referring to the material itself.

Examples

• The ship's rigging was made from durable sisal hemp.
• Sisal hemp is valued for its strength and is often used in agricultural twine.
• Traditional carpets in that region are woven from sisal hemp.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe products made from this fiber.
  • They installed sisal-hemp rope along the staircase.
  • A sisal-hemp doormat is rough and effective for cleaning shoes.

Variants and Related Words

• Sisal (n): The more common, shorter form for "sisal hemp."
  • The bag was made of natural sisal.
• Sisal Agave (n): The name of the plant species () that produces the fiber.

Synonyms

• Sisal (n)
• Agave fiber (n)

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Hemp (n): A fiber from the plant, used for similar purposes (rope, textiles) but from a different botanical source.
• Cordage (n): A general term for ropes, cords, and strings.
• Twine (n): A strong string made of two or more strands twisted together.

Noun

1. a plant fiber used for making rope