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.
Syn. -- Manilla hemp, abaca. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A Philippine plant (Musa textilis) having leafstalks that yield Manila hemp used for rope and paper etc.; called also the abaca. [ WordNet 1.5 ]