kauri

See also: Kauri and kaŭri

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkaʊɹi/

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Maori kauri from Proto-Polynesian *kauli, from *kau (“tree”) + *quli (“black”), originally referring to Samoan ebony ("Diaspyros samoensis").

Noun

kauri (plural kauris or kauri)

1. A conifer of the genus Agathis, family Araucariaceae, found in Australasia and Melanesia.
2. (New Zealand) , a large conifer of the family Araucariaceae.
   • 1956, Frank Clune, Roaming round New Zealand: the story of a holiday trip:

     There is an ancient legend that if the kauris disappear from New Zealand, the Maoris will also disappear.

   • 2008, “The Peppertree”, in Friars Guide to New Zealand Accommodation for the Discerning Traveller 2009‎^[3], Auckland: Hodder Moa, page 150:

     Constructed from the native timbers rimu, kauri, or matai, the interior has been refurbished in sympathy with the era of the home. The five bedrooms are individually designed, all with private balconies or verandahs.

3. A resinous product of the kauri tree, found in the form of yellow or brown lumps in the ground where the trees have grown. It is used for making varnish, and as a substitute for amber.

Hyponyms

• (resinous product): kauri copal, Manilla copal, dammar gum

Etymology 2

Noun

kauri (plural kauris)

1. Alternative form of cowrie

Anagrams

• Kuria, akuri

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Maori

Etymology

From Proto-Polynesian *kauli, from *kau (“tree”) + *quli (“black”), originally referring to Samoan ebony ("Diaspyros samoensis").

Noun

kauri

1. A conifer of the genus Agathis, family Araucariaceae, found in Australasia and Melanesia.
2. (New Zealand) , a large conifer of the family Araucariaceae.

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Swahili

Etymology

Borrowed from Hindi कौड़ी (kauṛī).

Pronunciation

• Audio (Kenya):

  (file)

Noun

kauri (n class, plural kauri)

1. cowry
2. porcelain