moa
[moh-uh]
- any of several flightless birds of the family Dinornithidae, of New Zealand, related to the kiwis but resembling the ostrich: extinct since about the end of the 18th century.
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Origin of moa
Borrowed into English from Maori around 1810–20
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for moa
Historical Examples
Moa had been near him; and as though by pre-arrangement with him she now accosted me.
I stood quivering, and Moa thrust her weapon against my face.
All the passengers were herded there, with Miko and Moa alternating on guard.
Miko was now confronting me; at the door Moa stood watching.
I went cold and tense; Moa shifted, alert to my every movement.
moa
- any large flightless bird of the recently extinct order Dinornithiformes of New ZealandSee ratite
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Word Origin
C19: from Māori
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for moa
n.
extinct, flightless bird of New Zealand, 1842, native Maori name.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper