motu

1 of 2

noun (1)

mo·​tu
ˈmō(ˌ)tü
plural motu or motus
: a Polynesian reef islet with vegetation

Motu

2 of 2

noun (2)

Mo·​tu
ˈmō(ˌ)tü
plural Motu or Motus
1
a
: a Melanesian people in New Guinea
b
: a member of such people
2
: the language of the Motu people used in trade on the southeast coast of Papua New Guinea

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Maori, Tahitian, Tuamotuan, Marquesan, Samoan, & Tongan

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Dictionary Entries Near motu

Motu

motu

motu proprio

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Cite this Entry

“Motu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motu. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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