rata
noun
ra·ta
ˈrätə
plural -s
1
: a tree of the genus Metrosideros
especially : either of two New Zealand timber trees (M. robusta and M. lucida)
2
: the hard dark red wood of a rata tree used by the Maoris for paddles and war clubs
3
[borrowed from Tahitian rātā] : polynesian chestnut
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Maori rātā (going back to Polynesian *lata, *laataa name for Metrosideros or any of various other forest trees)