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matai

noun (1)
ma·​tai | \ ˈmätˌī\
plural -s

Definition of matai

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

matai

noun (2)
\ "\
plural matais or matai

Definition of matai (Entry 2 of 2)

: a Samoan chief bearing a hereditary title who is head of an extended family or of a village

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History and Etymology for matai

Noun (1)

Maori

Noun (2)

Samoan

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