pikake

American  

[pee-kah-key] / ˈpi kɑˌkeɪ /

noun

1. a climbing vine, Jasminium sambac, of the olive family, probably of Asian origin, having fragrant white flowers used to flavor jasmine tea and, in Hawaii, to make leis.

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Etymology

Origin of pikake

1935–40; < Hawaiian pīkake literally, peacock, allegedly a name given to the plant by the Hawaiian princess Kaʾiu-lani (1875–99)

Example Sentences

Traditional looped lei made of orchids, plumeria, carnations and pikake are also popular.

From Reuters • Aug. 23, 2023

Last week, however, a Southern Democrat set Hawaii's hopes to blooming like the white-petaled pikake.

From Time Magazine Archive

Joe placed a pikake and ginger lei around Alison's neck.

From Joe Burke's Last Stand by Wetterau, John Moncure