ʻakaʻakai

See also: akaaki

Hawaiian

Etymology

Perhaps from a reduplicated form of Proto-Polynesian *kata (“stem”). The modern sense of "onion" comes from the similar appearance of its tops.[1]

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˌʔa.ka.ʔaˈkai̯/, [ˌʔɐ.kə.ʔəˈkɐj], [ˌʔɐ.kə.ʔəˈkɛj] (rapid speech)

Noun

ʻakaʻakai

  1. A slender grass once used for thatching houses in Hawaii (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani)
  2. onion (Allium cepa)

Derived terms

  • ʻakaʻakai lau (“green onion”)
  • ʻakaʻakai naku (“bulrush”)
  • ʻakaʻakai pilau (“garlic”)
  • ʻakaʻakai pūpū (“garlic”)

Descendants

  • → English: akaakai

References

  1. ^ Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H. (1986) “ʻakaʻakai”, in Hawaiian Dictionary, revised & enlarged edition, Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai'i Press, →ISBN, page 12
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