bam·boo  (b ăm-b )
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n. pl. bam·boos 1. Any of various usually woody, temperate or tropical plants chiefly of the genera Arundinaria, Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Phyllostachys, or Sasa in the grass family. Certain species of bamboo can reach heights of 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet). 2. The hard or woody, jointed, often hollow stems of these plants, used in construction and to make various kinds of utensils. 3. Fabric or yarn manufactured from these plants.
[Back-formation from earlier bambos (taken as pl.), from Dutch bamboes, of Malay or Dravidian origin.]  (click for a larger image) bamboo |
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