koa
[koh-uh]
- a Hawaiian acacia, Acacia koa, of the legume family, characterized by spreading branches and gray bark.
- the hard, red or golden-brown wood of this tree, used for making furniture.
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Origin of koa
Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1840–50
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for koa
Contemporary Examples
Mommyish editor-in-chief Koa Beck wrote an open letter encouraging the ex-sorority sister to apply for their paid internship.
Rebecca Martinson, the Viral Sorority Girl Letter Writer: How to Go From Unknown to Infamous in 60 SecondsTricia Romano
April 26, 2013
Historical Examples
The fire we see proceeds undoubtedly from one of them—Koa, perhaps.
The Cruise of the Mary RoseWilliam H. G. Kingston
"I recognize the shape of those cases over there, now," Koa said.
Rip Foster in Ride the Gray PlanetHarold Leland Goodwin
Koa sensed the urgency in his voice and got the instruments himself.
Rip Foster in Ride the Gray PlanetHarold Leland Goodwin
Rip watched the repair anxiously in the light from Koa's belt.
Rip Foster in Ride the Gray PlanetHarold Leland Goodwin
He called, "Kemp, Koa, bring the torch and fuel and follow me."
Rip Foster in Ride the Gray PlanetHarold Leland Goodwin
koa
- a Hawaiian leguminous tree, Acacia koa, yielding a hard wood
- the reddish wood of this tree, used esp for furniture
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Word Origin
C19: from Hawaiian
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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