eˈspärd.(ˌ)ō, ə̇ˈ- noun
or esparto grass
( -s )
Etymology: Spanish esparto, from Latin spartum, from Greek sparton — more at spire (spiral)
1. : either of two Spanish and Algerian grasses ( Stipa tenacissima and Lygeum spartum ) of which cordage, shoes, baskets, and paper are made
2. : the fiber of esparto grass