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(in Mexico and Central America) a plant fibre used for cordage, nets, and carpets.
This fibre is obtained chiefly from Agave species (family Agavaceae), in particular A. funkiana and A. lecheguilla
‘Vegetable fibers are composed chiefly of cellulose and may be classed as short fibers, e.g., cotton and kapok; or long fibers, including flax, hemp, Manila hemp, istle, ramie, sisal hemp, and Spanish moss.’
‘This is a stiff fibre, yet Aztec techniques for the spinning and weaving of ixtle were capable of producing flexible and delicate cloth.’
‘Pita is another maguey fiber, finer than ixtle, used to create fancy trim on the edges of leather work.’
‘Craftsman José Isabel Quiroz learned how to weave ixtle from his father, who still works with him.’
Origin
Late 19th century: via American Spanish from Nahuatl ixtli.