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
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Who Knew?
-
- What is a ruelle?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors