henequen

or hen·e·quin

[ hen-uh-kin ]

noun

1. the fiber of an agave, Agave fourcroydes, of Yucatán, used for making ropes, coarse fabrics, etc.

henequen

/ ˈhɛnɪkɪn /

noun

1. an agave plant, Agave fourcroydes , that is native to Yucatán
2. the fibre of this plant, used in making rope, twine, and coarse fabrics

Word History and Origins

Origin of henequen¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Latin American Spanish henequén, earlier geniquén, jeniquén, heniquén, perhaps from an Indigenous language of Hispaniola, where the word was allegedly first used

Word History and Origins

Origin of henequen¹

C19: from American Spanish henequén , probably of Taino origin

Example Sentences

Henequen fiber is used by the Indians for a great variety of purposes.

From Project Gutenberg

Its productions consist principally in the making henequen bags and the raising of cattle.

From Project Gutenberg

It is also their duty to rasp a certain amount of henequen fiber from the agave each day.

From Project Gutenberg

A second year is allowed to pass before the henequen is planted.

From Project Gutenberg

It is rumored that from the state of sisal and henequen he will pick his running-mate.

From Project Gutenberg