Bambus

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of plant belonging to the grass family, known for its tall, hollow stems
2. Often used in construction and furniture making due to its strength and flexibility
3. A fast-growing species that is essential in various ecosystems and cultures for its versatility

Etymology: Malay speakers in Southeast Asia called the plant "mambu," and that name reached Europe through the trading networks of the Dutch in the East Indies. Dutch adopted it as "bamboes," and German borrowed that form as "Bambus," so the German word is a loan from Dutch rather than a direct descendant of the Malay name. Although the plant is a grass, its tall, hollow stems are unlike the grasses of European meadows, which may be why the traders' name stuck. English took its word, "bamboo," from the same Dutch source, so the German and English forms are cousins that both passed through Dutch merchants.