bombay hemp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “bombay hemp” mean?
The plant Crotalaria juncea, also known as sunn hemp, Indian hemp, or Madras hemp, cultivated primarily for its strong fiber.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plant Crotalaria juncea, also known as sunn hemp, Indian hemp, or Madras hemp, cultivated primarily for its strong fiber.
A fast-growing leguminous plant used for fiber, green manure, and as a cover crop; not a true narcotic hemp (Cannabis). Its name is historically tied to the Bombay region of India.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant dialectal difference in meaning. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Historical or colonial-era term in both varieties; modern agricultural texts prefer 'sunn hemp' or its botanical name.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely in British texts due to historical colonial links with India.
Grammar
How to Use “bombay hemp” in a Sentence
[Bombay hemp] + [verb: is grown/produces/yields][Farmers] + [verb: cultivate/use] + [Bombay hemp] + [for fiber/as manure]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bombay hemp” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The colonial report recommended to bombay-hemp the fallow fields.
- They attempted to bombay-hemp the degraded soil.
American English
- The farm plans to sow Bombay hemp as a cover crop.
- They used the field to grow Bombay hemp for fiber.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The Bombay hemp fibres were exceptionally strong.
- A Bombay hemp cultivation project was initiated.
American English
- The sunn hemp field (historically called Bombay hemp) was ready.
- Bombay hemp rope was historically exported.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in historical trade documents regarding fiber imports.
Academic
Used in botany, agricultural history, or colonial economic studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Correct term in historical agricultural texts; modern texts use 'sunn hemp'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bombay hemp”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bombay hemp”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bombay hemp”
- Assuming it is related to marijuana.
- Using it in modern conversation instead of 'sunn hemp'.
- Spelling as 'Bomby hemp'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bombay hemp (Crotalaria juncea) is a different plant species entirely, grown for fiber and as a cover crop. It contains no significant THC.
The term 'hemp' historically refers to any useful fibrous plant. Bombay hemp was named for its hemp-like fiber, not its botany.
The most common modern name is 'sunn hemp' or 'sann hemp'. Its botanical name is Crotalaria juncea.
It is native to and traditionally cultivated in the Indian subcontinent, but is now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions for fiber and as a green manure.
The plant Crotalaria juncea, also known as sunn hemp, Indian hemp, or Madras hemp, cultivated primarily for its strong fiber.
Bombay hemp is usually technical/historical in register.
Bombay hemp: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɒmˈbeɪ ˈhɛmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɑːmˈbeɪ ˈhɛmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Bombay (Mumbai) region of India + hemp (fiber plant). It's a hemp-like plant from Bombay.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT AS A RESOURCE (for fiber and soil improvement).
Practice
Quiz
What is Bombay hemp primarily known for?