A tough, wiry grass native to Spain and North Africa, used to make rope, baskets, sandals, and paper.
From Spanish esparto, derived from Latin spartum, from Greek sparton. The plant has been used for millennia throughout the Mediterranean, predating the Spanish and Roman names for it.
Esparto grass literally shaped Mediterranean civilization—it was used to make everything from sandals to sails to paper, and Spain's espadrille industry was built on controlling this humble plant!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.