Hemp n. 1.(Bot.) A plant of the genus Cannabis (Cannabis sativa), the fibrous skin or bark of which is used for making cloth and cordage. The name is also applied to various other plants yielding fiber.
2.The fiber of the skin or rind of the plant, prepared for spinning. The name has also been extended to various fibers resembling the true hemp.
African hemp, Bowstring hemp. See under African, and Bowstring. Bastard hemp, the Asiatic herb Datisca cannabina.
Canada hemp, a species of dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum), the fiber of which was used by the Indians.
Hemp agrimony, a coarse, composite herb of Europe (Eupatorium cannabinum), much like the American boneset.
Hemp nettle, a plant of the genus Galeopsis (Galeopsis Tetrahit), belonging to the Mint family.
Indian hemp. See under Indian, a. Manila hemp, the fiber of Musa textilis.
Sisal hemp, the fiber of Agave sisalana, of Mexico and Yucatan.
Sunn hemp, a fiber obtained from a leguminous plant (Crotalaria juncea).
Water hemp, an annual American weed (Acnida cannabina), related to the amaranth.
Manila hemp n. 1.A fibrous material obtained from the abaca plant (Musa textilis), a plant allied to the banana, growing in the Philippine and other East India islands; called also by the native name abaca. From it matting, canvas, ropes, and cables are made.
Synonyms: Manilla hemp, abaca.
2.A Philippine plant (Musa textilis) having leafstalks that yield Manila hemp used for rope and paper etc.; called also the abaca.
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