pili

[ pee-lee ]

/ piˈli /

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noun, plural pi·lies.

a Philippine tree, Canarium ovatum, the edible seeds of which taste like a sweet almond.

Also called pili nut . the seed of this tree.

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Origin of pili

From Tagalog

Other definitions for pili (2 of 3)

pili²

[ pahy-lahy ]

/ ˈpaɪ laɪ /

noun

Biology. plural of pilus.

Other definitions for pili (3 of 3)

pili-

a combining form meaning “hair,” used in the formation of compound words: piliform.

Origin of pili-

Combining form representing Latin pilus;see -i-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pili in a sentence

To commemorate his safe landing he at once planted on the rock the pili grass he had brought with him.
Legends of Wailuku|Charlotte Hapai
On the contrary in speaking of the Canarium, Blanco states that it yields a resin called “pili-pitch.”
The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines|T. H. Pardo de Tavera
The roasted Pili nut alone has a very agreeable almond taste.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
On Upolu the name of Pili has an early place among the doings of mortals and in the division of the lands.
Samoa, A Hundred Years Ago And Long Before|George Turner

When Pili was old and dying he called his children together and appointed them their places and employments.
Samoa, A Hundred Years Ago And Long Before|George Turner

British Dictionary definitions for pili (1 of 2)

pili¹

/ (pɪˈliː) /

noun plural -lis

a burseraceous Philippine tree, Canarium ovatum, with edible seeds resembling almonds

Also called: pili nut the seed of this tree

Word Origin for pili

from Tagalog

British Dictionary definitions for pili (2 of 2)

pili²

/ (ˈpaɪlɪ) /

pl n singular pilus (ˈpaɪləs)

bacteriol short curled hairlike processes on the surface of certain bacteria that are involved in conjugation and the attachment of the bacteria to other cells

Word Origin for pili

C20: from Latin: hairs

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012