humuhumunukunukuapua'a

American  

[hoo-moo-hoo-moo-noo-koo-noo-koo-ah-poo-ah-ah] / ˌhu muˌhu muˌnu kuˌnu kuˌɑ puˈɑ ɑ /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of humuhumunukunukuapua'a

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

Example Sentences

Snorkeling in the early morning, I was often one of the first people in the water, floating solo above humuhumunukunukuapua’a, or reef triggerfish, as they fed off the coral.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 14, 2021