Reconstruction:Proto-Polynesian/motu

This Proto-Polynesian entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Proto-Polynesian

Etymology

From Proto-Central Pacific *motu, from Proto-Oceanic *motus (“broken off, detached”), possibly from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *ma-utus. Cognate with Motu motu.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈmo.tu/

Noun

*motu

  1. island

Descendants

  • Hawaiian: moku
  • Maori: motu
  • Niuean: motu
  • Rapa Nui: motu
  • Tahitian: motu
  • Tongan: motu
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