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poon

American  
[poon] / pun /

noun

  1. any of several East Indian trees of the genus Calophyllum, that yield a light, hard wood used for masts, spars, etc.

  2. the wood of these trees.


poon 1 British  
/ puːn /

noun

  1. any of several trees of the SE Asian genus Calophyllum having lightweight hard wood and shiny leathery leaves: family Clusiaceae

  2. the wood of any of these trees, used to make masts and spars

"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

poon 2 British  
/ puːn /

noun

  1. slang a stupid or ineffectual person

"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

Etymology

Origin of poon

1690–1700; compare Tamil punnai, pinnai, Malayalam punna names for Calophyllum inophyllum


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The khao poon pla, made with catfish, is particularly rich and comforting.

From New York Times ● Mar. 8, 2022

With high teas, poon choi and beyond, here’s how to make this Lunar New Year roar.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 26, 2022

I’d also get the khao poon; it’s a tofu coconut curry.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 15, 2019

Within are dozens of merchandise and food vendors, hawking everything from khao poon curry noodle soup to an entire roast duck.

From New York Times ● Jul. 6, 2016

"Yes—about that Fairy—— No, Lamb dear, give Panther the narky poon."

From Five Children and It by H. R. (Harold Robert) Millar

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