aʻa

• IPA^(key): /ˈa.ʔa/, [ˈɐ.ʔə]

From Proto-Eastern Polynesian *aka, from Proto-Nuclear Polynesian *aka, from Proto-Polynesian *aka (compare with Maori aka), from Proto-Oceanic *(w)akaʀ, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *(w)akaʀ, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *(w)akaʀ, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *(w)akaʀ (compare with Malay akar).

aʻa

1. root (of plant)
2. vein, artery, nerve, tendon, muscle
3. (figuratively) womb, offspring

• hoʻoaʻa (“to cause a plant to take root; to take root”)
• aʻa koni (“throbbing vein, artery; pulse; throbbing with excitement”)
• aʻa lewalewa (“hanging roots”)

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

aʻa

1. to send greetings or love

aʻa

1. hospitality

• haaʻa

• Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H. (1986) “aʻa”, in Hawaiian Dictionary, Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press

From Proto-Eastern Polynesian *aka, from Proto-Nuclear Polynesian *aka, from Proto-Polynesian *aka, from Proto-Oceanic *(w)akaʀ, from Proto-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *(w)akaʀ, from Proto-Central-Eastern Malayo-Polynesian *(w)akaʀ, from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *(w)akaʀ.

aʻa

1. root (of plant)