bast

American  

[bast] / bæst /

noun

1. Botany. phloem.

2. Also called bast fiber.  any of several strong, woody fibers, as flax, hemp, ramie, or jute, obtained from phloem tissue and used in the manufacture of woven goods and cordage.

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bast British  

/ bæst /

noun

1. Also called: bass.  fibrous material obtained from the phloem of jute, hemp, flax, lime, etc, used for making rope, matting, etc

2. botany another name for phloem

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Etymology

Origin of bast

before 900; Middle English; Old English bæst; cognate with Dutch, German, Old Norse bast; perhaps ultimately cognate with Latin fascis bundle. See bass ³

Example Sentences

If for some reason you are lacking moisture in your roasting pan you can bast with almost any kind of fat: butter, oil or even duck fat for a richer flavor.

From Salon • Nov. 25, 2024

They partnered with M4 Factory, which specializes in regenerative plastic goods, in a process that involves mixing bast fiber — a hemp byproduct — with a biopolymer to create the injection-molded chair.

From New York Times • Apr. 11, 2023

As safety Kevin Byard crashed from the left side Lockett burst bast Tennessee nickel back Elijah Molden — a rookie from Washington — and into the open.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 19, 2021

The right-hander, who turned 24 years old last Friday, walked one and did not allow a runner bast second base in his fourth major league start.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 28, 2011

‘Here,’ said Renn, handing him a strip of birch bast.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver