Hawaiian edit

Etymology 1 edit

From Proto-Polynesian *kau (compare with Maori kau), from Proto-Oceanic *kayu, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *kahiw (compare with Malay kayu), from Proto-Austronesian *kaSiw.

Noun edit

ʻau

  1. handle
  2. staff
  3. stem; stalk
  4. shaft
  5. (anatomy) bone (of lower arm or leg)
  6. a group (when followed by a qualifier)
Derived terms edit

Etymology 2 edit

From Proto-Polynesian *kau, from Proto-Oceanic *kaʀu.

Verb edit

ʻau

  1. (intransitive) to swim, travel by sea
  2. (intransitive) to jut out, project

Further reading edit

  • Pukui, Mary Kawena; Elbert, Samuel H. (1986), “‘au”, in Hawaiian Dictionary, revised & enlarged edition, Honolulu, HI: University of Hawai'i Press, →ISBN

Samoan edit

Etymology edit

From Proto-Polynesian *kau, from Proto-Oceanic *kayu, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *kahiw, from Proto-Austronesian *kaSiw.

Noun edit

ʻau

  1. staff
  2. shaft
  3. axle
  4. handle
  5. whisk

Tahitian edit

Etymology edit

From Proto-Polynesian *kau, from Proto-Oceanic *kaʀu.

Verb edit

ʻau

  1. swim