rata

noun

ra·​ta

ˈrätə

plural -s

1

: a tree of the genus Metrosideros

especially : either of two New Zealand timber trees (M. robusta and M. lucida)

2

: the hard dark red wood of a rata tree used by the Maoris for paddles and war clubs

3

[borrowed from Tahitian rātā] : polynesian chestnut

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Maori rātā (going back to Polynesian *lata, *laataa name for Metrosideros or any of various other forest trees)

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