rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrattanWicker material
noun / adjective

rattan

ruh-TAN/ræˈtæn/

Flexible climbing-palm stems used to make furniture, baskets, and canes.

The rattan stems curve into the chair's frame, while split strips form its seat.

A close material study of rattan canes beside a partially woven chair: long, solid, jointed palm stems curve into the chair frame, while thin split strips form its wicker seat.
Etymology
rattanMalayclimbing palm

Malay rotan names the climbing palm. The English material sense focuses on its tough, flexible stems—the part used to weave baskets and make furniture.

In context

Business Insider India0:07
length and thickness just one pole of exported rattan can cost 35 that's over three times the cost of a similar bamboo pole
Why Rattan Is So Expensive | So Expensive

More examples

  • The rattan chairs feel light but sturdy.
  • He weaves thin strips of rattan around the basket's frame.
  • This walking cane is made of rattan.

Forms

rattan

Similar words

cane
Broader term for sturdy plant stems used in furniture.
wicker
Refers to woven material or construction, not specifically palm stems.