cantala

noun

can·ta·la kan-ˈtä-lə

: a hard fiber produced from the leaves of an agave (Agave cantala)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, specific epithet of Agave cantala, perhaps from Sanskrit kaṇṭala babul, from kaṇṭa thorn

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cantala was in 1911

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Browse Nearby Words

cantal

cantala

cantaloupe

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Cantala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cantala. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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