puka

[ poo-kuh ]

noun

1. a small white shell found on Pacific, especially Hawaiian, beaches and strung in clusters to make necklaces.

puka

/ ˈpuːkɑː /

noun

1. another name for broadleaf

Word History and Origins

Origin of puka¹

First recorded in 1970–75; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of puka¹

Māori

Example Sentences

From the word puka, abrupt phenomenon, and the verb saugi, outflowing.

From Project Gutenberg

When the kumu reached the door on his return, he made himself known by reciting a mele wehe puka, the conventional password.

From Project Gutenberg

Here, in the dense puka and mangrove scrub, there was hope of safety.

From Project Gutenberg