Definition of "ramie" []

• A tropical Asian perennial herb (Boehmeria nivea) having broad leaves and densely branched panicles of small, unisexual, apetalous flowers. (noun)
• The flaxlike fiber from the stem of this plant, used in making fabrics and cordage. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Designed for babies with eczema and sensitive skin, Natural Seat Topper features an earth-friendly fabric, ramie, which is a premium natural fiber known for its absorbency, breathability, and durability."
• ""ramie" is but a variety (_tenacissima_) of _Boehmeria nivea_."
• "I also found a batwing jacket of Guatemalan striped fabric, and a black ramie patch-pocket single-button blazer (circa 1987) that I feel required by law to keep, in case I ever want to dress up as Rico Tubbs."