lehua

American  

[ley-hoo-ah] / leɪˈhu ɑ /

noun

1. Also called ohia lehua.  a tree, Metrosideros villosa, of the Hawaiian islands, yielding a hard wood.

2. the bright-red, corymbose flower of this tree.

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Etymology

Origin of lehua

Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1885–90

Example Sentences

Ohia lehua trees felled by the lava flows smoldered under the cloudy sky.

From New York Times • May 17, 2018

“People today still say, ‘Don’t pick the lehua flower or it’ll rain’ — the heavens will cry because you’ve separated the two lovers,” Mr. Haiku said.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2011

Our ‘ōhi‘a lehua, with bright red flowers exploding like fireworks amid the dusty green leaves.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Maka'u ka lehua i ke kan�ka, 155 Lilo ilalo e hele ai, e-e, A ilalo hoi.

From Unwritten Literature of Hawaii The Sacred Songs of the Hula by Emerson, Nathaniel Bright

I choose the lehua, ilima, As my wreath and emblem of love, 15The small-leafed fern and the maile-- What fragrance exhales from thy breast!

From Unwritten Literature of Hawaii The Sacred Songs of the Hula by Emerson, Nathaniel Bright