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ʻau. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
ʻau, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
ʻau in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
ʻau you have here. The definition of the word
ʻau will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
ʻau, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Hawaiian
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈʔau̯/, , (rapid speech)
Etymology 1
From Proto-Polynesian *kau (compare with Maori kau), from Proto-Oceanic *kayu, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *kahiw (compare with Malay kayu), from Proto-Austronesian *kaSiw.
Noun
ʻau
- handle
- staff
- stem; stalk
- shaft
- (anatomy) bone (of lower arm or leg)
- a group (when followed by a qualifier)
Derived terms
Etymology 2
From Proto-Polynesian *kau, from Proto-Oceanic *kaʀu.
Verb
ʻau
- (intransitive) to swim, travel by sea
- (intransitive) to jut out, project
Further reading
- Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H. (1986) “‘au”, in Hawaiian Dictionary, revised & enlarged edition, Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai'i Press, →ISBN
Samoan
Etymology
From Proto-Polynesian *kau, from Proto-Oceanic *kayu, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *kahiw, from Proto-Austronesian *kaSiw.
Noun
ʻau
- staff
- shaft
- axle
- handle
- whisk
Tahitian
Etymology
From Proto-Polynesian *kau, from Proto-Oceanic *kaʀu.
Verb
ʻau
- swim