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Glite Dictionary
Polynesia

Polynesia

7 4.4
A group of islands in the central and southern Pacific, including Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island
  • proper noun
  • /ˌpɒlɪˈniːʒə/
translation icon : Polinesia
  • Fieldwork in such a region of Polynesia presents difficulties that are common to most tropical areas.
  • French Polynesia
  • Eastern Polynesia

So we see this incredible gift that was given to us and the ripple effect it has and has had within Hawaii, within Polynesia and around the world.

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Examples

  • But when did the first settlers make the thousand-mile canoe voyage from Polynesia to New Zealand?

    Academic text (2003)

  • Well, unless we're in New York or Polynesia-- -

    The Life Before Her Eyes (2007)

  • What do you say we explore Polynesia, huh?

    The Forger (2014)

  • And my grandparents went to Polynesia, Hawaii at one time.

  • French Polynesia, while no longer a colony, is still dependent upon France.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Despite the doctor's warnings, Brel decided to live his remaining days in French Polynesia.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Inhabitants of French Polynesia are experiencing drastic changes in the social context of everyday life.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Maori believe their ancestors came from Hawaiiki—a legendary homeland in Polynesia, probably in the Society or Cook Islands.

    Academic text (2003)

  • Many tourists visit Polynesia each year to enjoy its beautiful beaches and rich culture.

  • The landscapes of Polynesia are incredibly diverse, featuring lush rainforests and stunning coral reefs.

Compounds

French Polynesia
4.1

A group of islands in the South Pacific that belong to France, including Tahiti and Bora Bora

Surface Forms

Polynesia main

Morphology

Polynesia = poly + nesia

The geographic name is coined from poly- 'many' plus a Greek island element, so the broad meaning is inferable, but the second element is not a standalone English word and the full form is not fully transparent to most learners.

Etymology

Polynesia comes from Greek parts poly- meaning 'many' and -nesia meaning 'islands', and poly- is the same 'many' you see in polygon. So, Polynesia literally means 'many islands' and names the Pacific region made of lots of islands.