esparto

or espar·to grass

[ ih-spahr-toh ]

noun

, plural es·par·tos.

1. any of several grasses, especially Stipa tenacissima, of southern Europe and northern Africa, used for making paper, cordage, etc.

esparto

/ ɛˈspɑːtəʊ /

noun

1. any of various grasses, esp Stipa tenacissima of S Europe and N Africa, that yield a fibre used to make ropes, mats, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of esparto¹

1585–95; < Spanish < Latin spartum < Greek spárton rope made of spártos kind of rush

Word History and Origins

Origin of esparto¹

C18: from Spanish, via Latin from Greek sparton rope made of rushes, from spartos a kind of rush

Example Sentences

Alfa, al′fa, n. an African name for esparto grass—also spelt Halfa.

From Project Gutenberg

The production of esparto pulp by bacteriological fermentation is an idea of later date.

From Project Gutenberg

The conditions for boiling and bleaching esparto are varied by the paper-maker as circumstances require.

From Project Gutenberg

The value of Esparto for the manufacture of high-class printing and medium quality writing paper is well known.

From Project Gutenberg

There were other articles of plaited esparto grass, such as baskets and sandals.

From Project Gutenberg