kenaf
|ke-naf|
C1
🇺🇸
/kəˈnæf/
🇬🇧
/kəˈnɑːf/
fiber-producing tropical plant
Etymology
Etymology Information
'kenaf' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'kanāf', where 'kanāf' meant 'hemp' or 'fiber plant'.
Historical Evolution
'kenaf' was borrowed directly from Arabic 'kanāf' into English in the 20th century, and eventually became the modern English word 'kenaf'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'hemp' or 'fiber plant', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a specific tropical plant (Hibiscus cannabinus) cultivated for its fiber'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a tropical plant (Hibiscus cannabinus) cultivated for its strong fiber, used in making rope, twine, and paper.
Kenaf is often used as an alternative source of fiber for paper production.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/28 17:37