Reconstruction:Proto-Polynesian/kawa
Appearance
Proto-Polynesian
[edit]Etymology
[edit]From Proto-Central Pacific *kawa, from Proto-Oceanic *kawaʀ (“potent root”). (See entry “kava” on WP.)
Cognate with Mwotlap ga, Hiw ga and Lo-Toga gi < *kaya < *kawaʀ.
In the context of a pleasure activity, this word replaces *qapuʀ (“lime”), which refers to the lime used in betel chewing.
Noun
[edit]*kawa
Adjective
[edit]*kawa