humuhumunukunukuapua'a

[ hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-ah-poo-ah-ah ]

noun

1. either of two triggerfishes, especially Rhinecantus aculeatus, of Indo-Pacific coral reefs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of humuhumunukunukuapua'a¹

First recorded in 1900–05; from Hawaiian: literally, “pig-snouted triggerfish,” equivalent to humuhumu “triggerfish” + nukunuku, reduplication of nuku “snout” + a “like” + puaʾa “pig”)