Is 'filasse' still used in modern English?

No, it's largely obsolete except in historical or specialized technical contexts.

What's the difference between filasse and tow?

They're often synonymous for hemp/flax fibres, though 'tow' can be slightly more processed, while 'filasse' emphasizes the raw state.

Can filasse refer to synthetic fibres?

No, it specifically denotes natural vegetable fibres from plants like hemp, flax, or jute.

Is filasse ever used as a verb?

No, it functions only as a noun in English.

Is “filasse” formal?

Filasse is usually technical/archaic in register.

How do you pronounce “filasse”?

Filasse: in British English it is pronounced /fɪˈlæs/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪˈlæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

filasse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very low

UK/fɪˈlæs/US/fɪˈlæs/

Technical/archaic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “filasse” mean?

coarse vegetable fibre, especially from plants like hemp or flax, used for cordage or caulking.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

coarse vegetable fibre, especially from plants like hemp or flax, used for cordage or caulking

any long, coarse fibre; historically used to refer to raw plant fibres before spinning

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Equally rare in both varieties; no significant regional distinctions in usage

Connotations

Technical, historical, possibly quaint or old-fashioned if used in modern contexts

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in both UK and US English; primarily found in historical texts or specialized material science

Grammar

How to Use “filasse” in a Sentence

noun + of + filassefilasse + for + purposeadjective + filasse

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

hemp filasseflax filassecoarse filasse

medium

prepared filassefilasse fibresuntreated filasse

weak

natural filassebundles of filassefilasse material

Examples

Examples of “filasse” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

The filasse material was carefully examined by the conservators.

American English

The filasse stuffing in the antique chair needed replacement.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used in modern business contexts

Academic

Occurs in historical textile studies, material culture research, or restoration literature

Everyday

Not used in contemporary everyday English

Technical

Used in historical textile technology, traditional boat-building (caulking), or museum conservation

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “filasse”

Strong

tow (specifically for flax/hemp)

Neutral

coarse fibretow hards

Weak

strawbast fibre

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “filasse”

fine threadyarnspun fibre

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “filasse”

Using it as a verb (it's only a noun)
Confusing with 'filament' which is finer and more modern
Using in contemporary contexts where 'fibre' or 'tow' would be appropriate

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it's largely obsolete except in historical or specialized technical contexts.
: They're often synonymous for hemp/flax fibres, though 'tow' can be slightly more processed, while 'filasse' emphasizes the raw state.
: No, it specifically denotes natural vegetable fibres from plants like hemp, flax, or jute.
: No, it functions only as a noun in English.
: coarse vegetable fibre, especially from plants like hemp or flax, used for cordage or caulking.
: Filasse is usually technical/archaic in register.
: Filasse: in British English it is pronounced /fɪˈlæs/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪˈlæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'FILL a SShip' – historically used to fill/filasse ship seams for waterproofing.

Conceptual Metaphor

RAW MATERIAL IS UNREFINED ESSENCE

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In traditional boat-building, was often used for caulking seams.

Multiple Choice

What does 'filasse' specifically refer to?