piha
piha Lexical Profile
• noun
New Zealand A coastal settlement and renowned black-sand surf beach located on the rugged western coast of the Auckland Region in New Zealand.
Any of several species of tropical South and Central American forest birds in the cotinga family, characterized by their relatively drab plumage and exceptionally loud, distinctive calls (most notably the screaming piha).
"While trekking through the Amazon rainforest, we heard the piercing, whistle-like call of a screaming piha long before we could spot it in the canopy."
• Rhymes for piha
Word Origin & Etymology
The bird's name derives from an indigenous South American language (likely Tupi or Guarani), likely mimicking its loud call. The proper noun referring to the New Zealand settlement comes from Māori, where 'piha' can refer to the ripple or bow wave made by the prow of a canoe.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.