Polynesian
/ˌpɒl.ɪˈniː.ʒən/noun
Relating to the peoples, languages, or cultures of Polynesia.
Did you know?The name Polynesia was coined in the 18th century from Greek roots, not from any ancient Polynesian language, so it’s a European label for a vast seafaring cultural sphere.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
polys
“many”
Ancient Greek
Greek
nēsos
“island”
18th Century
French
Polynésie
“Polynesia, the many-island region of the Pacific”
19th Century
English
Polynesian
“relating to the peoples and languages of Polynesia”
Modern English
English
Polynesian
“a person from or associated with Polynesia”
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