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Definition of thalaiyar

thalaiyar

/tɑːˈlaɪ.jɑːr/
tha · lai · yar
Plural:thalaiyars
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thalaiyar Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A prominent waterfall located in the Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, distinguished by its thin, plunging cascade and often referred to in English as Rat Tail Falls.

2

A traditional village watchman or headman in southern India, historically tasked with maintaining local order, guarding property, and assisting in revenue collection.

Example

"The local thalaiyar was responsible for settling minor disputes among the villagers and ensuring the security of the harvested crops."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for thalaiyar

• Nearby Words

texturize
thai
thailand
thalaiyar
thalictrum
thames
thamirabarani

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from the Tamil word 'thalaiyar', derived from 'thalai' meaning 'head'. It historically denoted a village headman or watchman in South India. Geographically, it is globally recognized as the name of a major waterfall in Tamil Nadu, India.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Thalaiyar. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/thalaiyar
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