aalii
9.9
A small Hawaiian tree with hard dark wood often used for carving and in gardens
- noun
- /ɑːˈɑːliː/
- US
:
aalii
- The craftsman chose aalii wood for the sculpture because of its strength and dark color.
Examples
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Many artisans use aalii wood for carving.
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Researchers studied the role of aalii in preserving local ecosystems.
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Many native Hawaiian landscapes include the resilient aalii tree.
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The aalii tree is native to Hawaii.
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Many native Hawaiian landscapes include the resilient aalii tree.
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The craftsman chose aalii wood for the sculpture because of its strength and dark color.
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Many artisans use aalii wood for carving.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Aalii comes from Hawaiian and is related to the word aliʻi, which means 'chief' or 'leader'. So a helpful way to remember it is to think of a small, very tough tree that was important in Hawaiian life and crafts.
