noun
central stalk of a dried rice plant
Refers specifically to the stiff central stem of a rice plant after threshing; used in crafts or as a metaphor for something humble.
わらしべを使って小さなほうきを作った。
I made a small broom using the central stalk of a rice plant.
わらしべ長者の話を知っていますか。
Do you know the story of the Straw Millionaire?
藁 (わら) is the general term for straw, while わらしべ refers specifically to the central stalk of a rice plant.
Compound of 藁 (わら, straw) and しべ (central stalk or core). The exact origin of しべ is uncertain, but it likely refers to the stiff inner part of the plant.