Definition of "sisal" [sisal]

• A Mexican and Central American plant (Agave sisalana) widely cultivated for its large, sword-shaped leaves that yield stiff fibers used for cordage and rope. (noun)
• The fiber of this plant or of other members of the genus Agave. (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.

• "Once dry, the "sisal" is sent to a baling plant for preparation for shipment to plants that make rope, shopping bags and other assorted product."
• "The fibre of the agave, known as sisal hemp, is used in the manufacture of rope, twine, mats, brushes, etc."
• "For the ceiling color, go for a very-warm wheat yellow, and for carpeting, my choice would be a Swedish woven area rug recalling the sisal style but made of wool, linen, cotton or even silk."