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esparto definition

es·parto (es pär)

noun

either of two kinds of long, coarse grass (Stipa tenacissima or Lygeum spartum) growing in Spain and N Africa, used to make cordage, baskets, shoes, and paper

Etymology: Sp < L spartum < Gr sparton, spartos < IE base *sper-, to turn > spiral

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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