Rotang
/ˈrəʊtæŋ/noun
A climbing palm of Southeast Asia, or the tough cane obtained from it and used for furniture and weaving.
Did you know?Rotang is a historical English variant of rattan, ultimately borrowed from Malay *rotan*, the name for several climbing palms whose flexible stems became prized in trade and craft.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-modern period
Malay
rotan
“A climbing palm or its flexible cane, especially in Southeast Asia.”
16th–17th Century
Portuguese
rotão
“A borrowed term for Southeast Asian cane or rattan.”
17th Century
Dutch
rotan
“Rattan cane, acquired through Southeast Asian trade.”
17th–18th Century
French
rotin
“Rattan or cane used for weaving and furniture.”
19th Century
English
rotang
“A rattan palm or its cane; a variant form of *rattan*.”
Modern English
English
rotang
“A less common term for rattan, particularly the cane or palm.”