kea
kea Lexical Profile
kea Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, highly intelligent parrot (Nestor notabilis) native to the alpine and forested regions of New Zealand's South Island, noted for its olive-green plumage, bright orange underwings, and exceptionally inquisitive, sometimes destructive behavior.
"The tourists watched in astonishment as a curious kea systematically dismantled the rubber stripping from the windshield of their rental car."
Word Nuance & Usage
In New Zealand English, the plural form is frequently uninflected as 'kea' in accordance with Māori language conventions, though 'keas' remains common in standard international English.
• Rhymes for kea
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Māori 'kea', which is generally believed to be of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the bird's distinctive, loud in-flight call of 'kee-aa'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.