esparto

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: es=par=to

CIDE DICTIONARY

esparto, n. [Sp.; cf. L. spartum Spanish broom, Gr. .].

 A species of Spanish grass (Macrochloa tenacissima), of which cordage, shoes, baskets, etc., are made. It is also used for making paper.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

esparto, n. (pl. -os) (in full esparto grass) a coarse grass, Stipa tenacissima, native to Spain and N. Africa, with tough narrow leaves, used to make ropes, wickerwork, and good-quality paper.

Etymology

Sp. f. L spartum f. Gk sparton rope