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