An example search has returned 100 entries

ahtowan

v. to weed

alpas

listenloadingplaying

[alpos] adj. big

an tak apnyin

listenloadingplaying

n. on another day

apeiñ

listenloadingplaying

n. black (color)

arafara

listenloadingplaying

v. to prepare pandanus leaves for making mats or baskets

cauwan

n. tendrils; small branches

deseij nadimi

listenloadingplaying

[deseiʧ nadimi] phr. three men (there are)

ehlili

v. to burn ground for planting

et taiñ inhalav

listenloadingplaying

[et taiŋ inhalav] phr. baby crying

imiactak

listenloadingplaying

adj. happy

imtiat

Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
listenloadingplaying

n. plastic bailer, bottle to get water out of canoe

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.

inceila

Planchonella
listenloadingplaying

n. tree, 10 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4033)

inceimohos

The young stems of this tree are used to make spears, either by sharpening the end or attaching several wires to the tip.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree to 8 m, dbh 5 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4896)

Example: The young stems of this tree are used to make spears, either by sharpening the end or attaching several wires to the tip.

incowos

The leaves of this plant are used to finish the ridge of the house roof. Lay the leaves horzontally on top of the roof, and the sides of the roof are thatched with palms or grass. Layer 10 leaves on top of each other to enable this part of the roof (known as nitjintiniom) to last for a long time--perhaps up to 6 years. If this is used on the top of a roof where there is a fire burning, such as a kitchen, and this leaf gets a lot of smoke, it can last much longer a the top of the roof--perhaps 10 years or more.
listenloadingplaying

n. herb to 1. 5 m, flowers white with pink tips. Growing on sandy path along coastal walk to ute. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4989)

Example: The leaves of this plant are used to finish the ridge of the house roof. Lay the leaves horzontally on top of the roof, and the sides of the roof are thatched with palms or grass. Layer 10 leaves on top of each other to enable this part of the roof (known as nitjintiniom) to last for a long time--perhaps up to 6 years. If this is used on the top of a roof where there is a fire burning, such as a kitchen, and this leaf gets a lot of smoke, it can last much longer a the top of the roof--perhaps 10 years or more.

indejen

Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
listenloadingplaying

n. basket handle

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.

inhachac

Ipomoea aquatica
listenloadingplaying

n. herb, growing in partially drained marsh. Flowers purple. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3596)

inhujac

Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
listenloadingplaying

n. type of seashell

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.

inhuturao

Coryphaena hippurus http://fishbase.org/summary/Coryphaena-hippurus.html
listenloadingplaying

n. Common dolphinfish, mahi mahi

Example: Photo by Alex Kerstitch / Shorefishes of the Eastern Tropical Pacific, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

inlidija

n. summer, autumn

inligighap

n. the thick end of a coconut leaf used as a target

inma

n. Artocarpus altilis

Example: shoot: Mix heated over fire and taken out during sunset. Healer clenches the package in his fist, then gently punches the patients left, then right knee, then his forehead and finally squeezes over his head, migraine and headache.

inma

Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
listenloadingplaying

n. breadfruit

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.

inmaefata

n. kind of breadfruit

inpece

The fruits of this tree are collected, mixed with ground coconut, boiled in water and the oil collected. The resulting oil is used medicinally, put on the skin for any condition to promote healing. Apply once a day until the condition resolves. Also can be used to treat head lice. Add the oil mixture to the hair, massage in, keep the hair dry for a day, then wash. Use once daily for 3 days.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree to 15 m, dbh 50 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4918)

Example: The fruits of this tree are collected, mixed with ground coconut, boiled in water and the oil collected. The resulting oil is used medicinally, put on the skin for any condition to promote healing. Apply once a day until the condition resolves. Also can be used to treat head lice. Add the oil mixture to the hair, massage in, keep the hair dry for a day, then wash. Use once daily for 3 days.

inrosi

n. a clearing of bush or reeds

intinan mese

n. dry land planted

inwae

Children like to eat the fruit of this plant. It is said to taste like pineapple/mango. It must be very ripe to be eaten. Peel and discard the skin. The fruit is most sweet when it is on the ground for a few days. Some children eat the seeds of this fruit but it has a strong oily taste--too many cause vomiting and if a person eats 1-2 seeds it can cause diarrhea.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree, 3-4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3563)

Example: Children like to eat the fruit of this plant. It is said to taste like pineapple/mango. It must be very ripe to be eaten. Peel and discard the skin. The fruit is most sweet when it is on the ground for a few days. Some children eat the seeds of this fruit but it has a strong oily taste--too many cause vomiting and if a person eats 1-2 seeds it can cause diarrhea.

inwaj

Tylosurus crocodilus crocodilus http://fishbase.org/summary/Tylosurus-crocodilus.html
listenloadingplaying

n. Hound needlefish, crocodile long-tom

Example: Photo by Philippe Bourjon / Fishbase, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

inwaj

Strongylura incisa http://fishbase.org/summary/Strongylura-incisa.html
listenloadingplaying

Reef needlefish, Reef longtoms

Example: Photo by ANFC, License: CC BY-NC 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

inyacelcou

This plant is the focus of an important legend on Aneityum. When the missionary John Geddie and colleaguse first arrived on the island in July  of 1848, the Chiefs welcomed them but some of the people did not like the idea. So these people sent a basket containing a peeled coconut and a fish (nopom) to the Chief in Umej to ask him to support the idea of getting rid of the missionary that the Chief of Analcahuat had welcomed. If the Chief of Umej were to eat the fish and coconut meat, it would mean that he agreed with the opposition. The Chief refused to eat the food in the basket and he told the people a parable involving this plant. A person cannot find the tip of the stem or the end of the root in the ground. So if they were to eliminate the missionary, his activity would continue because of God’s power. As it is with this plant, it will continue to grow and flourish if you cut it or try to dig up the root. So he sent a message about this plant to the people in Analcahuat who objected to the presence of the missionary stating this parable. Those people in Analcauhat held a secret meeting and they chose a powerful and strong person to kill the missionary. During the night the person went to the missionary’s house while he was in the toilet. Returning to the house, the missionary found the person in his doorway, and that person lifted his club to strike the missionary. But at that point the attacker’s hands suddenly had no power and the club fell from his hands, and he fell over. The missionary told him to get up, and not come back. After that experience, the people of Umej realized that God’s power was great and they could not go against it. The Chief took the peeled coconut that was sent him and covered it with the skin of another coconut and planted it instead of eating it. This coconut grew and the missionary’s work continued to grow on the island. So this vine played an important role in communicating the power of God to the people of Aneityum.
listenloadingplaying

n. vine running many meters long over clay soil and grassy area on hillside where the triangular wooden signs are that used to be a landmark for ships coming to the island. Sterile. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5008)

Example: This plant is the focus of an important legend on Aneityum. When the missionary John Geddie and colleaguse first arrived on the island in July of 1848, the Chiefs welcomed them but some of the people did not like the idea. So these people sent a basket containing a peeled coconut and a fish (nopom) to the Chief in Umej to ask him to support the idea of getting rid of the missionary that the Chief of Analcahuat had welcomed. If the Chief of Umej were to eat the fish and coconut meat, it would mean that he agreed with the opposition. The Chief refused to eat the food in the basket and he told the people a parable involving this plant. A person cannot find the tip of the stem or the end of the root in the ground. So if they were to eliminate the missionary, his activity would continue because of God’s power. As it is with this plant, it will continue to grow and flourish if you cut it or try to dig up the root. So he sent a message about this plant to the people in Analcahuat who objected to the presence of the missionary stating this parable. Those people in Analcauhat held a secret meeting and they chose a powerful and strong person to kill the missionary. During the night the person went to the missionary’s house while he was in the toilet. Returning to the house, the missionary found the person in his doorway, and that person lifted his club to strike the missionary. But at that point the attacker’s hands suddenly had no power and the club fell from his hands, and he fell over. The missionary told him to get up, and not come back. After that experience, the people of Umej realized that God’s power was great and they could not go against it. The Chief took the peeled coconut that was sent him and covered it with the skin of another coconut and planted it instead of eating it. This coconut grew and the missionary’s work continued to grow on the island. So this vine played an important role in communicating the power of God to the people of Aneityum.

itu acen

adv. a long time ago

iña

listenloadingplaying

n. fishing line

kowei

Children use this fruit as a rattle. When parents go to the gardens or fields with their children, they collect the pods for the children to use as a rattle and amuse themselves. Unspecified medicinal use.
listenloadingplaying

n. herb to 0. 75 m, fruits brown. Growing in cultivated area near village. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5012)

Example: Children use this fruit as a rattle. When parents go to the gardens or fields with their children, they collect the pods for the children to use as a rattle and amuse themselves. Unspecified medicinal use.

nadeni

n. the name of a prickly shrub

nadi adiat upni

listenloadingplaying

[naθi aθiat upni] phr. Good morning. (greeting in mid-morning, after 10 o’clock)

nadimi dama

listenloadingplaying

[nadimi dama] phr. four men (there are)

nadouyatmas

Delarbrea paradoxa
listenloadingplaying

n. tree, 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4069)

nadut u nadiat

n. dawn of day

nagedauyag

n. kind of taro

nagig

n. kind of taro

naginap

listenloadingplaying

n. kind of breadfruit

naheñ

Small poles from this plant are used to make fishing spears, and larger stems used for house rafters.
listenloadingplaying

n. saplings, 3-6 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3715)

Example: Small poles from this plant are used to make fishing spears, and larger stems used for house rafters.

nahtancai upunupun

n. thorn

nala

1a. When traveling past a community you can place these leaves in a basket or walk with it in your hand. In this way people in the community know that you are traveling in peace and will cause no harm to people in that village. 1b. Message plant – if you go to visit someone and they are not there, you leave a branch of this on the door or somewhere they can see it and they know that some relatives have come and tried to visit them.
listenloadingplaying

n. shrub, 1. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3217)

Example: 1a. When traveling past a community you can place these leaves in a basket or walk with it in your hand. In this way people in the community know that you are traveling in peace and will cause no harm to people in that village. 1b. Message plant – if you go to visit someone and they are not there, you leave a branch of this on the door or somewhere they can see it and they know that some relatives have come and tried to visit them.

nalak

listenloadingplaying

n. kind of shellfish

nalak u nije

Calanthe chrysantha
listenloadingplaying

n. terrestrial orchid growing in rain forest on the mountain slope. Flowers white. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3288)

nalgaij

n. kind of sugarcane; also "inhelegaij"

namji

1. The stems of this plant are sharpened and used to plant swamp taro or dry land taro. 2. Break small branch top put behind ear if you go to an unknown place and keep behind ear and sleep with it. If the place is safe you will sleep if it is not you will not sleep well – only behind ear when you sleep.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3508)

Example: 1. The stems of this plant are sharpened and used to plant swamp taro or dry land taro. 2. Break small branch top put behind ear if you go to an unknown place and keep behind ear and sleep with it. If the place is safe you will sleep if it is not you will not sleep well – only behind ear when you sleep.

namlau

Glochidion ramiflorum
listenloadingplaying

n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4770)

namou

The young stems of this tree are used to make bows and arrows. Cut the young, straight stems, dry them and use to carve the bow.
listenloadingplaying

n. shrub, 3 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3502)

Example: The young stems of this tree are used to make bows and arrows. Cut the young, straight stems, dry them and use to carve the bow.

namp̃owei

This is a sacred plant, it will keep crops, such as foods, in good condition and protect people from famine and loss of crops. It grows wild along the river and people leave it there and also move the plants to the house along with Terminalia fruiticosa and other unspecified plants for use in protecting their crops. For example, when people go to the garden, they take their planting stick and place it near these plants for a while, and being near it will help protect the garden as a person then works with their planting stick to plant the garden.
listenloadingplaying

n. terrestrial fern, growing in secondary forest along the river. Fronds dimorphic. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3644)

Example: This is a sacred plant, it will keep crops, such as foods, in good condition and protect people from famine and loss of crops. It grows wild along the river and people leave it there and also move the plants to the house along with Terminalia fruiticosa and other unspecified plants for use in protecting their crops. For example, when people go to the garden, they take their planting stick and place it near these plants for a while, and being near it will help protect the garden as a person then works with their planting stick to plant the garden.

napauwa

n. kind of taro

napleañ

The wood is good for making paddles as well as to make canoes.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree to 15 m, dbh 30-45 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4938)

Example: The wood is good for making paddles as well as to make canoes.

naralilec

listenloadingplaying

n. kind of crab

narasitai

n. chaff

nauincai

n. tree

naupigat

People say it can remove the power of a love potion.
listenloadingplaying

n. herb, growing among stones and rocks at edge of river in primary forest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3674)

Example: People say it can remove the power of a love potion.

naupitcat

In taller forest, this plant is higher so can use it to make a spear. Sharpen the end or use wires as the tip. Unspecified medicinal use.
listenloadingplaying

n. shrub to 2 m, flowers greenish white turning to brown (collection: Michael J. Balick #4886)

Example: In taller forest, this plant is higher so can use it to make a spear. Sharpen the end or use wires as the tip. Unspecified medicinal use.

naupitju

People use the leaf of this plant to tie over grated banana, taro or other foods for cooking in an earth oven or boiling in a pot. The root of this species is edible. Cook it for 2-3 nights in an earth oven and then chew and squeeze the juice into your mouth, spitting out the fiber.
listenloadingplaying

n. treelet, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3622)

Example: People use the leaf of this plant to tie over grated banana, taro or other foods for cooking in an earth oven or boiling in a pot. The root of this species is edible. Cook it for 2-3 nights in an earth oven and then chew and squeeze the juice into your mouth, spitting out the fiber.

nawalha itouga

Cyperus involucratus
listenloadingplaying

n. sedge, 0. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3610)

nawod

1. The wood of this tree is used to make temporary houses, for example, when making a garden by the river. 2. The wood can be sawn into timber. 3. People collect red leaf and put under tongue when want to talk about conflicted issues such as a dispute to make their argument stronger.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree, 12 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3641)

Example: 1. The wood of this tree is used to make temporary houses, for example, when making a garden by the river. 2. The wood can be sawn into timber. 3. People collect red leaf and put under tongue when want to talk about conflicted issues such as a dispute to make their argument stronger.

neaig cap

n. a red coconut

nedec

listenloadingplaying

n. kind of shellfish

neijiv

n. fir; pine

nejecjec

The younger,soft leaves are used to wrap local foods, for example bananas. To prepare a type of "local cheese," made from fermented breadfruit and fermented banana, mix a bit of coconut milk and wrap these two fruits in the leaves and cook under ground. Not clear about the way the food is fermented.
listenloadingplaying

n. epiphyte c. 1 m above forest floor, growing in secondary forest above river. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3650)

Example: The younger,soft leaves are used to wrap local foods, for example bananas. To prepare a type of "local cheese," made from fermented breadfruit and fermented banana, mix a bit of coconut milk and wrap these two fruits in the leaves and cook under ground. Not clear about the way the food is fermented.

nelm̃ai

This plant is used to make fishing line, perhaps moreso in the past than today. Collect young shoots form the sides of the tree, peel off the bark, soak the stem in salt water or fresh water for 1-2 weeks to ret the stems then separate the fibers, dry in the sun and use to make string for fishing. The leaves are used for feeding pigs.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree to 4 m tall, dbh 8 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #5004)

Example: This plant is used to make fishing line, perhaps moreso in the past than today. Collect young shoots form the sides of the tree, peel off the bark, soak the stem in salt water or fresh water for 1-2 weeks to ret the stems then separate the fibers, dry in the sun and use to make string for fishing. The leaves are used for feeding pigs.

nelm̃ai

Fiber: Collect the stems of this plant, peel off the outer bark, soak (ret) in seawater for 1 week, then put stone on top of it-the fibers are loosened by the retting, peel them off and hang in the sun to dry and bleach. Weave small baskets, grass skirts and other things from this fiber. When sticks are placed in areas of the sea, shells are attracted to these sticks and people can collect the shells used for adornment--the animals in the shells like to eat the material on the sticks. Dried fruits of this plant are eaten by birds.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree to 8 m, dbh 10 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4863)

Example: Fiber: Collect the stems of this plant, peel off the outer bark, soak (ret) in seawater for 1 week, then put stone on top of it-the fibers are loosened by the retting, peel them off and hang in the sun to dry and bleach. Weave small baskets, grass skirts and other things from this fiber. When sticks are placed in areas of the sea, shells are attracted to these sticks and people can collect the shells used for adornment--the animals in the shells like to eat the material on the sticks. Dried fruits of this plant are eaten by birds.

nemla

Melochia odorata
listenloadingplaying

n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4757)

nerophat

Caranx melampygus http://fishbase.org/summary/Caranx-melampygus.html
listenloadingplaying

n. Bluefin trevally (male) (reef fish)

Example: Photo by Jan Messersmith, License: CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

netcetas

1. The name means "explosion". Further information about the plant withheld.

n. well branched tree, 15 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4084)

Example: 1. The name means "explosion". Further information about the plant withheld.

nidupau

n. kind of tree

nigya

n. a plant like a banana

nijiga

n. a branch of red coral

nikwunitei

Cyathea
listenloadingplaying

n. small tree-fern, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3269)

nilam

n. seaweed

nilyat

n. the name of a tree, the leaves of which blister

ninahen

listenloadingplaying

[ninahɛn] n. scales

nirac intam henain

Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
listenloadingplaying

n. stick for coconuts

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.

nisyeg

1. The inner bark of this plant is used as a dye or paint to provide a brown color. Boil the inner bark in a pot with a shirt and the color of the shirt will be changed to brown. 2. For toothache, people take the inner bark and mix it with sea water, and then rinse the tooth with this mixture to remove the pain. 3a. People macerate the leaves and the bark and when the tide is low, spread this in a pool of water to poison the sea shells that are edible. When they die, the eyes of this organism comes above the sand, indicating where they are, and people harvest and eat them. 3b. To attract and collect clam – NIPJINUMU – scrape bark in a pool of sea water where the clams are attracted immediately and can be collected, coming up from the sand. 4. Firewood, unspecified medical use.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree, 6 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3574)

Example: 1. The inner bark of this plant is used as a dye or paint to provide a brown color. Boil the inner bark in a pot with a shirt and the color of the shirt will be changed to brown. 2. For toothache, people take the inner bark and mix it with sea water, and then rinse the tooth with this mixture to remove the pain. 3a. People macerate the leaves and the bark and when the tide is low, spread this in a pool of water to poison the sea shells that are edible. When they die, the eyes of this organism comes above the sand, indicating where they are, and people harvest and eat them. 3b. To attract and collect clam – NIPJINUMU – scrape bark in a pool of sea water where the clams are attracted immediately and can be collected, coming up from the sand. 4. Firewood, unspecified medical use.

nivitai

listenloadingplaying

inter. what

nohoanma

n. breadfruit; also "nohwanma"

nohoijam

Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
listenloadingplaying

[nohoɪjam] n. fan of woven pandanus leaf

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.

nohosma

1. The name means "ripe banana".
listenloadingplaying

n. epiphytic orchid, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4119)

Example: 1. The name means "ripe banana".

nokoro vai cai oho

n. orchard

nopsijman

listenloadingplaying

[nopsiʧman] n. hand

nop̃ou

1. Lot of oil in the heartwood so it is good to start a fire, split it into small strips and you can light it for a fire. 2. Calendar plant – when the fruits ripen people know that this is the best season to eat the big hermit crab – meaning that they are fat.
listenloadingplaying

n. tree. Found in the village, usually grows in the hills. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #16)

Example: 1. Lot of oil in the heartwood so it is good to start a fire, split it into small strips and you can light it for a fire. 2. Calendar plant – when the fruits ripen people know that this is the best season to eat the big hermit crab – meaning that they are fat.

nucje

n. the Norfolk Island pine

nudto

1a. The stem of this plant is used to make a spear, as it is always straight and very strong. It is a small growing plant, just right for length of a spear. 1b. Make a spear for fishing, peel bark, heat stem, affix points to end. 2. Name is the name of a fish. 3. Rafters for roof.
listenloadingplaying

n. small tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3452)

Example: 1a. The stem of this plant is used to make a spear, as it is always straight and very strong. It is a small growing plant, just right for length of a spear. 1b. Make a spear for fishing, peel bark, heat stem, affix points to end. 2. Name is the name of a fish. 3. Rafters for roof.

numurumu

Procris pedunculata
listenloadingplaying

n. epiphyte on tree trunk, growing in rain forest on the mountain slope. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3290)

nupsi itai

n. corn

nupyihet

n. new moon

nusjakai

listenloadingplaying

n. kind of fish (folk name)

oujeiko

listenloadingplaying

prep. up there

pakine

n. maize

suka

listenloadingplaying

n. kind of bush

tapasetarayi

n. kind of taro

tatau

Sphyraena barracuda http://fishbase.org/summary/Sphyraena-barracuda.html
listenloadingplaying

n. Great barracuda

Example: Photo by ANFC, License: CC BY-NC 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

uagas

n. Sida rhombifolia L.

Example: Leaf: infusion taken internally against diarrhea

wiwi

n. kind of breadfruit

yecreig

adj. beginning to be ripe, as fruit