palai

Hawaiian

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /paˈlai̯/, [pəˈlɐj], (rapid speech) [pəˈlɛj]

Etymology 1

From Proto-Polynesian *palai (“a yam”), from Proto-Oceanic *balai (“wild yam”). Cognate with Tahitian parai (“a species of yam”).

Noun

palai

1. Any of species Microlepia setosa of native ferns placed on the altar of Laka, goddess of the hula.

Alternative forms

• palapalai

Derived terms

• palai kahawai (“swamp fern”)

Etymology 2

From English fry.

Verb

palai

1. (transitive) to fry
2. (stative) frying; fried

Further reading

• palai in Combined Hawaiian Dictionary, at trussel2.com.

Italian

Verb

palai

1. first-person singular past historic of palare

Anagrams

• apali

Tok Pisin

Etymology

From Tolai [Term?].

Noun

palai

1. lizard
2. eardrum