pounamu

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Borrowed from Maori pounamu.

Noun

pounamu (uncountable)

  1. (New Zealand) greenstone
    • 2021 December 6, Charlotte Graham-McLay, “In New Zealand, the Fishhook Pendant Called Hei Matau”, in The New York Times:
      Over time, the hooks became increasingly stylized and now are a popular shape for decorative pounamu pendants called hei matau, the first word indicating that the matau is worn around the neck.

Hawaiian

Etymology

Borrowed from Maori pounamu.

Noun

pounamu

  1. jade, jadeite

Maori

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Adjective

pounamu

  1. dark green

Noun

pounamu

  1. greenstone, nephrite
    Synonym: pounemu
  2. glass bottle

Descendants

  • English: pounamu
  • Hawaiian: pounamu