manila
UK[məˈnɪlə]US[məˈnɪlə]
n
A strong brown paper made from Manila hemp, used especially for envelopes and file folders.
n
A cigar or cheroot made in Manila or the Philippines.
adj
Made from or having the color of Manila paper.
Etymology
The word 'manila' is an eponym derived from the name of the Philippine capital city, Manila. It entered the English language in the 19th century as a modifier for products exported from that region, most notably the fiber from the abacá plant, used to make a durable paper. The term's logic is purely geographical, where the place of origin became the defining characteristic for a class of goods, such as manila paper, manila envelopes, and manila cigars. This process of a toponym evolving into a common noun for a material is a classic pattern in lexical development, similar to 'denim' from 'de Nîmes' or 'cashmere' from Kashmir.
Analysis
The word is a toponym, borrowed directly from the place name "Manila," the capital of the Philippines. It does not contain separable morphemes in English.
Examples
Important documents were stored in a sturdy manila folder.
The office ordered a new box of manila envelopes for mailing.
He preferred the mild flavor of a manila cigar.