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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“Matai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matai. Accessed 9 Mar. 2021.
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