wiliwili

English

Etymology

From Hawaiian wiliwili (literally “repeatedly twisted”), in reference to the dehiscing seed pods.

Noun

wiliwili (plural wiliwilis)

1. Erythrina sandwicensis, a fabaceous flowering tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaiian

Etymology

Reduplication of wili "to twist", hence "repeatedly twisted", in reference to the dehiscing seed pods.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌwi.liˈwi.li/, [ˌʋi.liˈʋi.li]

Noun

wiliwili

1. Erythrina sandwicensis, a fabaceous flowering tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands