hemp

hemp

noun \ˈhemp\

Definition of HEMP

1

a : a tall widely cultivated Asian herb (Cannabis sativa of the family Cannabaceae, the hemp family) that has a tough bast fiber used especially for cordage and that is often separated into a tall loosely branched species (C. sativa) and a low-growing densely branched species (C. indica)

b : the fiber of hemp

c : a psychoactive drug (as marijuana or hashish) from hemp

2

: a fiber (as jute) from a plant other than the true hemp; also : a plant yielding such fiber

Origin of HEMP

Middle English, from Old English hænep; akin to Old High German hanaf hemp, Greek kannabis

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with HEMP

kemp, temp

hemp

noun \ˈhemp\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of HEMP

1

: a tall widely cultivated Asian herb of the genus Cannabis (C. sativa) with strong woody fiber used especially for cordage

2

: the fiber of hemp

3

: a psychoactive drug (as marijuana or hashish) from hemp

Illustration of HEMP

hemp

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Hemp (Cannabis sativa).—John Kohout/Root Resources

Stout, aromatic, erect annual herbaceous plant (Cannabis sativa, family Cannabaceae), the sole species of cannabis; also, its fibre. Hemp originated in Central Asia and is now cultivated widely in the northern temperate zone. A tall, canelike variety is raised for the fibre; a short, more branched variety is prized as the more abundant source of marijuana. Hemp fibre is strong and durable and is used for cordage and for artificial sponges and such coarse fabrics as sacking (burlap) and canvas. Hemp is grown primarily for fibre in most countries.