bast

noun

1
: phloem
2

Examples of bast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Wyndham wanted to evolve humans past their prime bast, the Beyonders (a group of beings who exist outside the Multiverse and are supremely powerful). William Goodman, Men's Health, 6 May 2023 Soaking [the fibers] in water aids in their separation and can soften and improve the quality of the bast. Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, 13 Apr. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bast.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, going back to Old English bæst, going back to Germanic *basta- (whence also Middle Dutch, Old High German, and Old Norse bast "bast fiber"), of obscure origin

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bast was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near bast

Cite this Entry

“Bast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bast. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bast

noun
: a strong woody fiber obtained chiefly from the phloem of plants and used especially in fabrics and ropes or cords

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