pandanus

[ pan-dey-nuhs, -dan-uhs ]

noun

, plural pan·da·nus·es.

1. any plant of the genus Pandanus, having sword-shaped leaves arranged in a spiral, comprising the screw pines.

pandanus

/ pænˈdeɪnəs /

noun

1. any of various Old World tropical palmlike plants of the genus Pandanus, having large aerial prop roots and leaves that yield a fibre used for making mats, etc: family Pandanaceae See also screw pine

Word History and Origins

Origin of pandanus¹

1770–80; < New Latin, based on Malay pandan name for such plants

Word History and Origins

Origin of pandanus¹

C19: via New Latin from Malay pandan

Example Sentences

Giant palm trunks were to be flying buttresses for multiple roofs, which were to be sheathed in pandanus leaves.

From New York Times

In the future, you could be breakfasting on false banana or snacking on pandanus tree fruit.

From BBC

Its handful of houses hide behind a dune covered with morning glories and pandanus trees, the chitter of cicadas interrupted only by the cadence of waves and the call of an azure-winged jay.

From Seattle Times

Is the imposing pandanus in Freud’s studio akin to a wise old friend who has seen it all but knows better than to speak?

From The Guardian

In ancient fireplaces from the site we also recovered pieces of burnt pandanus nuts, fruit seeds and yams, which give us clues as to the earliest plant foods consumed at the site.

From Scientific American