ʻehu

See also: 'ehu and ʻEhu

Hawaiian

Etymology 1

From Proto-Polynesian *qapu (“ashes, dust”) (compare with Tongan efu (“dust, human remains”); Samoan efuefu) from Proto-Oceanic *qapu (“hearth”) (compare with Fijian avu) from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian *qabu (“ash(es)”) (compare with Malay abu (“dust”), Malay habuk (“dust”) plus Tagalog abo). See also lehu for similar reduction.

Noun

ʻehu

1. spray, foam, mist, sea spray
2. dust, dusty
3. pollen

Alternative forms

• (spray): ehu (especially among older speakers)

Etymology 2

Derived from Proto-Polynesian *kefu (“light-coloured”) (compare with Maori kehu (“reddish”), Tahitian ʻehu (“reddish, ginger”), Tongan kefu (“brownish”) and Samoan ʻefu (“reddish brown”).

Noun

ʻehu

1. reddish tinge in hair (only of Polynesians)
2. reddish-brown complexion, ruddy

Derived terms

• ʻEhu