pi·as·sa·va 
(pē′ə-sävə) also pi·as·sa·ba (-säbə)
(pē′ə-sävə) also pi·as·sa·ba (-säbə)n.
1. Either of two South American palm trees, Attalea funifera or Leopoldinia piassaba, from which a strong coarse fiber is obtained.
2. The fiber of either of these plants, formerly widely used for making ropes, brushes, and brooms.
[Portuguese, from Tupí pïa'sawa.]