aitu

aitu

English

Etymology

Borrowed from a Polynesian language, from Proto-Polynesian *qaitu.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈaɪtuː/
• Hyphenation: ai‧tu

Noun

aitu (plural aitus or aitu)

1. A ghost or spirit, often malevolent, in Polynesian mythology.

Anagrams

• utia

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Latvian

Noun

aitu f

1. accusative singular form of aita
2. instrumental singular form of aita
3. genitive plural form of aita

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Maori

Etymology

From Proto-Polynesian *qaitu. Cognates include Niuean aitu and Samoan aitu.

Noun

aitu

1. (mythology) atua of disaster and death
2. demons
3. sickness
4. calamity, misery
5. grief, sorrow
6. woe

Adjective

aitu

1. sorrowful
2. woeful

Derived terms

• aituā

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Niuean

Etymology

From Proto-Polynesian *qaitu. Cognates include Maori aitu and Samoan aitu.

Noun

aitu

1. ghost (supernatural being)

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Samoan

Etymology

From Proto-Polynesian *qaitu. Cognates include Maori aitu and Tokelauan aitu.

Noun

aitu

1. ghost
2. spirit

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Tokelauan

Etymology

From Proto-Polynesian *qaitu. Cognates include Maori aitu and Samoan aitu.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /a.ˈi.tu/
• Hyphenation: a‧i‧tu

Noun

aitu

1. ghost
2. evil spirit

Synonyms

• (ghost): agāga

Derived terms

• aitua

References

• R. Simona, editor (1986) Tokelau Dictionary‎, Auckland: Office of Tokelau Affairs, page 2