noun
decorative paper cord; mizuhiki
Traditional Japanese cord made from twisted washi paper, often used for gift wrapping, envelopes, and ceremonial decorations. The word itself is common in cultural contexts.
お祝いのご祝儀袋には、紅白の水引がかけられている。
A red-and-white mizuhiki cord is attached to the celebratory gift envelope.
水引細工の体験教室に参加した。
I joined a hands-on class for mizuhiki craft.
noun
Antenoron filiforme; Polygonum filiforme; jumpseed
A perennial herb native to East Asia and eastern North America, known for its tiny flowers and jointed stems. Botanical term; in everyday Japanese, the plant is also called みずひき.
山道の脇に水引の花が咲いていた。
Mizuhiki flowers were blooming along the mountain path.
Alternative name for the same plant, using the grass radical; less common than 水引.
The name 水引 (mizuhiki) is said to come from the way the plant's flower stalk resembles the traditional paper cord of the same name. The cord itself is named after the practice of drawing water (水を引く) to moisten the paper strips before twisting.