1. a long, woody vine that grows in tropical forests, typically climbing up trees
Usage: also spelled 'liane'; commonly found in rainforests

Examples

• The explorer had to cut through thick lianas to make her way through the jungle.
• Lianas hang from the canopy of the rainforest like natural ropes.
• Monkeys swing from liana to liana high above the forest floor.
• The liana wrapped around the tree trunk as it climbed toward the sunlight.
• Scientists study lianas to understand how tropical plants compete for light in dense forests.