An example search has returned 100 entries

achachadaliek

adj. tempestuous at sea

afwafwa

n. beat coconut fiber

ahen hen

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v. to fish (in the deep sea)

aijujaimi

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v.a. to come up, or come east

aperepre

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n. reed work in the opening of a fence

arafara

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v. to prepare pandanus leaves for making mats or baskets

ared numta

v. to plant taro

asvii nareto

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[asvii naret̚o] phr. break bread

emilmat

adj. green, blue

erijai

v.n. to rise up; to overflow as sea on land; to get ashore

et atpu an

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[et at̚pu an] phr. he is hiding

hogelcou

n. royal albatross

ijou

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adj. outside

ijumgan nijomcan

1. The name of this plant translates as bad tooth, and relates to its use as a plant used to poison others. If one wants to commit an evil act against another, he or she will rub the leaves together and squeeze them over the targets food. It will make their teeth rotten and fall off quickly. More information witheld.
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n. small tree, 1-2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4020)

Example: 1. The name of this plant translates as bad tooth, and relates to its use as a plant used to poison others. If one wants to commit an evil act against another, he or she will rub the leaves together and squeeze them over the targets food. It will make their teeth rotten and fall off quickly. More information witheld.

incacen

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[inɣaɣen] n. kava (traditional)

incanaij yohon

n. kind of plant, grass, or fern

incapeñ

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n. Diospyros samoensis (RPV #34)

inceipou

1. Edible fruits when ripe and turn black – some sweet and some not – eat sweet ones. 2. Timber, firewood.
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n. tree, 3 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3612)

Example: 1. Edible fruits when ripe and turn black – some sweet and some not – eat sweet ones. 2. Timber, firewood.

incopau

n. a coconut with a sweet husk

inga

Porphyrio porphyrio
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[inŋa] n. Purple Swamphen

Example: Photo by Bernard Spragg, License: Public domain via Flickr

inhac

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n. kind of shellfish

inhus

n. stump of a tree; shaft of a candlestick

inm̃ap̃

1. The nut of this tree is edible and very good. Boil it with skin on or bake it in the earth oven and then cut it in half and eat. 2. Leaves for top of house ridge. 3. Leaves for fertilizing the water taro in swamps.
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n. tree, 12-14 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3611)

Example: 1. The nut of this tree is edible and very good. Boil it with skin on or bake it in the earth oven and then cut it in half and eat. 2. Leaves for top of house ridge. 3. Leaves for fertilizing the water taro in swamps.

inta

Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
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n. top posts of house under construction

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

intaji

Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
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[intaʧi] n. notches carved into a tree, used as footholds for climbing tree to harvest coconut

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

intinan tal

n. a plantation of taro

intowosjei

indet
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n. terrestrial orchid, growing along river at edge of dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4120)

inwowityuwun

1. Take a handful of vine, pound it and wash hair, like shampoo – makes hair curly and like rasta. 2a. This is a "message plant." If a person is walking through a village that is not his, people know that they come in peace. 2b. Message plant - if a group is discussing something and one person goes out and makes a head les of this vine, it means that there can’t be an agreement. 2.) If you are angry at a person, drop the vine at their door, in the case of a visitor or land dispute and they need to leave.
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n. parasitic vine scrambling over Scaevola taccada, at edge of strand. Fruits green. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3545)

Example: 1. Take a handful of vine, pound it and wash hair, like shampoo – makes hair curly and like rasta. 2a. This is a "message plant." If a person is walking through a village that is not his, people know that they come in peace. 2b. Message plant - if a group is discussing something and one person goes out and makes a head les of this vine, it means that there can’t be an agreement. 2.) If you are angry at a person, drop the vine at their door, in the case of a visitor or land dispute and they need to leave.

irai ohatag

n. celestial

iñec

[iŋec] n. Mystery Island

katupinmi

n. kind of taro

kuri

Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
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[kuri] n. dog (general)

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

laulau

adj. long, applied to time

nadimi dowag

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[nadimi dowaŋ] phr. six men (there are)

nagaho

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n. kind of crab

naha

n. a thistle

nahas alaig imi yin

n. p. taro for the dead

nahauyau

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n. kind of turtle

nahojcei

Canavalia rosea

n. scrambling vine, growing in coastal strand vegetation. Flowers purple. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3436)

nahoya

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n. kind of shellfish

nairek

To make a local broom, gather a group of branches of this plant, tie together, burn off the leaves when they are dry and then use to sweep (photo with Wopa).
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n. shrub to 2 m, dbh 5 com (collection: Michael J. Balick #4875)

Example: To make a local broom, gather a group of branches of this plant, tie together, burn off the leaves when they are dry and then use to sweep (photo with Wopa).

nalauba

Chalcophaps indica
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[nalauba] n. Emerald Dove

Example: Photo by Dr. Raju Kasambe/Wikimedia Commons, License: CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

namlau

1. The larger stems of this plant can be used to build houses, for rafters. 2. It is also a good source of firewood. 3. Ancestors, before go to chief’s canal and want to talk about a complicated issue – a person would cut a branch and bring it to the sea and tap the water surface and would say what he wants, ask that he would want that issue to be solved and that others would follow his ideas and then go back to the meeting place and take stick, keep wind at his back, moving stick in all directions and then he will convince the people of his ideas. This is done by the chief’s spokesman. Helps convince the opposition. Helps keep power in hands of parent(??) chief rather than subchiefs who might have other ideas.
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n. shrub, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3485)

Example: 1. The larger stems of this plant can be used to build houses, for rafters. 2. It is also a good source of firewood. 3. Ancestors, before go to chief’s canal and want to talk about a complicated issue – a person would cut a branch and bring it to the sea and tap the water surface and would say what he wants, ask that he would want that issue to be solved and that others would follow his ideas and then go back to the meeting place and take stick, keep wind at his back, moving stick in all directions and then he will convince the people of his ideas. This is done by the chief’s spokesman. Helps convince the opposition. Helps keep power in hands of parent(??) chief rather than subchiefs who might have other ideas.

namlau elwa

The wood of this tree is good for carving. The fibers go in one direction so it is easier to carve, for example, to make a kava bowl. In general, this is the species used to make kava bowls. If your kava is not strong, then making it in this bowl will make it stronger. The kind of bowl made from this tree has a handle on each side of the bowl and it is held with 2 hands. The place name Anumwmamlau is named after this tree. There are said to be two types of this tree--one with all green leaves (this specimen) and one with white and green leaves. If a person is going to a Tabu place and is concerned about spirits, they should take a handful of these leaves and wash the body all over with it--take a swim (bath) with it. Then the person can go to the Tabu place without risk. There are other unspecified spiritual uses of this tree. The second part of this local name "elwa" refers to the variegation of the leaves.
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n. tree to 15 m tall, dbh 40 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4859)

Example: The wood of this tree is good for carving. The fibers go in one direction so it is easier to carve, for example, to make a kava bowl. In general, this is the species used to make kava bowls. If your kava is not strong, then making it in this bowl will make it stronger. The kind of bowl made from this tree has a handle on each side of the bowl and it is held with 2 hands. The place name Anumwmamlau is named after this tree. There are said to be two types of this tree--one with all green leaves (this specimen) and one with white and green leaves. If a person is going to a Tabu place and is concerned about spirits, they should take a handful of these leaves and wash the body all over with it--take a swim (bath) with it. Then the person can go to the Tabu place without risk. There are other unspecified spiritual uses of this tree. The second part of this local name "elwa" refers to the variegation of the leaves.

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.
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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.

namumuatamag

When children feel weak, this is a good medicine for them. Squeeze the leaves and give the child (3-5 years of age) one tea spoon of the juice and it is said to make them strong again.
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n. epiphyte on fallen tree, growing in disturbed forest. Fruit. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3474)

Example: When children feel weak, this is a good medicine for them. Squeeze the leaves and give the child (3-5 years of age) one tea spoon of the juice and it is said to make them strong again.

napile

n. kind of taro

napjis

n. a species of grass

nariramteh

n. kind of banana

narutu umlai

n. wind-related term; no definition provided

nasieij

n. kind of tree

natimihas

1. The name means "cranky person". If someone fastens this plant around his head as a deocrative lei, it means that this person is not happy. He does not want to talk or communicate with anybody. The use is no longer common, and now many people do not know the signficance.
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n. terrestrial fern, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4095)

Example: 1. The name means "cranky person". If someone fastens this plant around his head as a deocrative lei, it means that this person is not happy. He does not want to talk or communicate with anybody. The use is no longer common, and now many people do not know the signficance.

natpu

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n. kind of shellfish

natuh

n. a sweet-smelling plant

naupitcat

Phyllanthus myrianthus
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n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4773)

nautahos

A "message plant". In ancient times, this plant was used for communicating. If you go to a person who composes songs and give this to them, they will know to compose a song for you. Name means "flowers on the ground".
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n. herb, 1. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3280)

Example: A "message plant". In ancient times, this plant was used for communicating. If you go to a person who composes songs and give this to them, they will know to compose a song for you. Name means "flowers on the ground".

nawitoga

Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
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[nawitõŋa] n. machete

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

nawou

Schoenoplectus validus
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n. herb, growing in partially drained marsh. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3593)

necye

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n. yellow star

necñanman

Plerandra tannae
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n. tree to 5 m, dbh 10 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4901)

necñopod

This plant is used as fertilzer to place on bottom of the taro  patch in the same way as GMP #3456 to help "feed the ground" for next year. The leaves are used to wrap food. When a person is chewing kava, pile the chewed kava roots on the young leaves of this species. Also, an unspecified medicinal use.
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n. shrub, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3512)

Example: This plant is used as fertilzer to place on bottom of the taro patch in the same way as GMP #3456 to help "feed the ground" for next year. The leaves are used to wrap food. When a person is chewing kava, pile the chewed kava roots on the young leaves of this species. Also, an unspecified medicinal use.

nehno

n. a species of poisonous tree

nejev

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n. Pacific kauri (RPV #13)

nelpon nohop a nelco

Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
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[nɛlpon nohop a nelɣo] n. front of a canoe

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

nemtia

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n. kind of shellfish

nepig dou

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[nepiŋ θoʊ] n. night, moon has just gone down but enough light to see

nerid u uncat

n. the tow of flax

netva

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n. Pacific litchee (RPV #114)

niditau

The young leaves and fruits are edible; the fruits are eaten ripe. This species is used for firewood as well as house posts, but they don’t last as long as other types of wood so they are used in temporary structures. A sacred plant on Aneityum. Name means linkage between this world and the spirit world. Agriculture – you find this tree ?? it means that the land is fertile. Birds eat fruits; people burn the tree to release ash and fertilizer and grow their taro around it – it will give more food. Message plant – if someone puts a long brown on your door or in your garden, it means “why are you here?” Implies that you should go back to where you belong. You don’t belong in this place. For example instead of quarreling over land dispute, put the branch and it means that you should leave this place.
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n. tree, 3 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3507)

Example: The young leaves and fruits are edible; the fruits are eaten ripe. This species is used for firewood as well as house posts, but they don’t last as long as other types of wood so they are used in temporary structures. A sacred plant on Aneityum. Name means linkage between this world and the spirit world. Agriculture – you find this tree ?? it means that the land is fertile. Birds eat fruits; people burn the tree to release ash and fertilizer and grow their taro around it – it will give more food. Message plant – if someone puts a long brown on your door or in your garden, it means “why are you here?” Implies that you should go back to where you belong. You don’t belong in this place. For example instead of quarreling over land dispute, put the branch and it means that you should leave this place.

nidwunitei

Diplazium melanocaulon
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n. terrestrial fern, 1. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4047)

nigec

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[niŋeɣ] n. Mystery island (western, longer part)

nijom hubou

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[nijom huboʊ] n. round house; troka house, possibly named after Trochus niloticus

nikwunitei

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

nipjin nirintal

Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
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n. type of seashell

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

niridlo

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n. kind of shellfish

niridunumu

1. The name means "fish gill". When one acquires a culture-bound illness, caused by possesion of the sea devil, this plant is used to prepare a remedy. Further information about the illness and remedy withheld.
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n. terrestrial fern, growing along ridge in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4121)

Example: 1. The name means "fish gill". When one acquires a culture-bound illness, caused by possesion of the sea devil, this plant is used to prepare a remedy. Further information about the illness and remedy withheld.

nirinat erefera ran

Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
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[nirinɣat erefera ran] n. pandanus leaf rolled for the preparation of mats and baskets

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

nofar

n. a native pudding made with yam and coconut

nofoñhalav

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n. kind of shellfish

nohos saina

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[nohos isaina] n. kind of banana (sp. from China)

nohos umangi

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[nohos umangi] n. kind of banana (big, from somewhere else)

nohoyuwai

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n. kind of bird

nohud ucnas

n. a bunch of taro; also "nuhud ucnas"

nomotmot ijis

n. kind of plant, grass, or fern

nomrin diʧinan

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[nomrɪn diʧinan] n. fin (of a fish)

nowan namesei

Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
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n. dry coconut

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

nugnyin jap

n. the ebbing tide

nugyaubod

n. kind of tree

nuhialeg

n. the morning

numarak kamwea

n. kind of sugarcane

numrin diʧigan

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[nʊmrɪn diʧiŋan] n. gills (of a fish)

numutan

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n. kind of fish (folk name)

nunyepec

1. The name means "knife of sandpaper", a type of fish. The leaf base resembles the fin of the fish. 2. In the past, a spear was made from the sapling wood of this plant for tribal warfare. Today, spears are made from this plant for fishing. First, a relatively straight spaling is chosen and then heated over a fire. The pliable portion of wood is straightened and then decorticated. When cool, a portion of wire can be affixed on one end to aid in the spearing of fish.

n. understory tree, 6 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4049)

Example: 1. The name means "knife of sandpaper", a type of fish. The leaf base resembles the fin of the fish. 2. In the past, a spear was made from the sapling wood of this plant for tribal warfare. Today, spears are made from this plant for fishing. First, a relatively straight spaling is chosen and then heated over a fire. The pliable portion of wood is straightened and then decorticated. When cool, a portion of wire can be affixed on one end to aid in the spearing of fish.

nwujvaeñ

This vine is used to make rope. Collect the stem, roll it in a figure 8, heat it on a fire and tie it on a house while the vine is still hot.  Weave a ?? net to catch fish.
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n. vine climbing on Myristica fatua, growing in primary rainforest. Fruits green. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3615)

Example: This vine is used to make rope. Collect the stem, roll it in a figure 8, heat it on a fire and tie it on a house while the vine is still hot. Weave a ?? net to catch fish.

nähäwanatschill

n. Macaranga dioca

Example: Inner bark: bathe in cold infusion, wounds. 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 a

owag

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[owaŋ] num. six

upasin

n. first shoots of old roots

ya

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adv. after

yasua

n. kind of taro

yetse

v.n. to go down