ma·tai
ˈmätˌī
plural -s
: an evergreen tree (Prumnopitys taxifolia synonym Podocarpus spicatus synonym Dacrydium taxifolium) of New Zealand that has dark brown bark often exfoliating in circular flakes, a purplish-black berrylike fruit, and hard, durable, yellow-brown to brown wood
called also black pine
"
plural matais or matai
: a Samoan chief bearing a hereditary title who is head of an extended family or of a village
Dictionary Entries Near matai
Cite this Entry
“Matai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matai. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share