ʻAva
/ˈʔa.va/noun
A Polynesian intoxicating drink made from the root of the kava plant; also a variant spelling of kava.
Did you know?In Polynesian ceremonial traditions, kava or ʻava was often offered as a ritual drink to establish peace, welcome guests, and communicate social or spiritual status.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Polynesian
Proto-Polynesian
*kava
“A word for the kava plant and its prepared drink”
Ancient Polynesian languages
Polynesian
kava / ʻawa
“A ceremonial beverage prepared from the root of the kava plant”
18th Century
Tahitian
ʻava
“Kava drink; the initial ʻ represents a glottal stop”
18th–19th Century
English
ava
“A Polynesian name for kava or the intoxicating drink made from it”
Modern English
English
ava
“A variant or less common form of kava”