What does ramie mean?
Ramie is a natural fiber obtained from the stem of a nettle-family plant. The fiber is fine, strong, lustrous, and resistant to moisture, making it useful for clothing, household textiles, and other woven or knitted goods. It is often blended with cotton, linen, or other fibers to improve the strength and drape of a fabric while retaining a smooth, silk-like appearance. Ramie can be somewhat stiff when new, but it tends to become softer with washing and wear. The term also refers to the plant cultivated to produce this fiber. Ramie has a long history as a textile material in Asia, where it has traditionally been processed by hand and used for fabrics such as fine cloth and fishing material. Today it is valued wherever a durable, breathable, and comparatively lustrous plant fiber is useful.
nounA strong, lustrous bast fiber obtained from the ramie plant, a member of the nettle family. The fiber is valued for its silk-like texture, durability, and resistance to moisture.
- A textile fiber obtained from the stem of the ramie plant and used to make fabrics, yarn, and thread.
- The ramie plant itself, a species of nettle cultivated for its fiber.
"The blouse is made from a cool, lightweight blend of ramie and cotton."
"Ramie becomes especially soft when it is washed and worn."
"Farmers in parts of Asia cultivate ramie as a bast-fiber crop."
The plural is uncommon; it can refer to separate pieces or types of ramie, while the material is normally named in the mass.
"The collection includes ramies from several traditional weaving communities."
Ramie is a naturally tough, silk-like fiber whose name comes from the Malay word rami.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ramie come from?
The English word ramie was borrowed from Malay rami, the name used for the fiber and the plant from which it is obtained. The word entered European usage through the history of Malay and Southeast Asian textile trade.
How ramie is actually used
Ramie is usually treated as a mass noun when referring to the fiber. The plural is uncommon and may be used when referring to different pieces or types of ramie.