manu
manu Lexical Profile
• noun
New Zealand A bird; also used to refer to a traditional Māori kite shaped like a bird.
"We watched the manu soar above the forest canopy before disappearing into the dense native bush."
In Hindu mythology, the title of the archetypal first man, the progenitor of humanity, and the traditional author of the Manusmriti (Laws of Manu).
"According to Hindu tradition, each cosmic cycle is ruled by a different Manu who serves as the lawgiver and progenitor of mankind."
New Zealand A style of water jump or bomb, performed by folding the body into a V-shape upon entering the water to displace maximum water and create a massive splash.
"The kids spent the entire summer afternoon doing manus off the wharf into the harbor."
Word Nuance & Usage
When capitalized, it refers to the Hindu progenitor of mankind; in New Zealand English (often lowercase), it commonly refers to a bird or a popular style of water bomb.
• Rhymes for manu
Word Origin & Etymology
Derives from two entirely distinct sources: Sanskrit 'manu' (man, mankind) in Hindu tradition, and Māori 'manu' (bird) in New Zealand contexts.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.