1. a tropical American agave plant whose leaves yield a strong fiber used for making rope and twine
2. the fiber obtained from the henequen plant

Examples

• The henequen plant thrives in the hot, dry climate of the Yucatan Peninsula.
• Workers harvested the long leaves of the henequen to extract the valuable fiber.
• Henequen was once a major export crop for Mexico in the early 20th century.
• The strong henequen fiber was ideal for making durable rope and twine.
• Many plantations in southeastern Mexico specialized in growing henequen.
• The decline of synthetic materials reduced demand for natural henequen fiber.