Alfa \Al"fa\or Alfa grass \Al"fa grass"\, n. A plant ({Macrochloa tenacissima}) of North Africa; also, its fiber, used in paper making. Esparto \Es*par"to\, n. [Sp.; cf. L. spartum Spanish broom, Gr. ?.] (Bot.) A species of Spanish grass ({Macrochloa tenacissima}), of which cordage, shoes, baskets, etc., are made. It is also used for making paper.