rata
/ˈrɑːtə
/noun
A large New Zealand tree of the myrtle family, with crimson flowers and hard red timber.
- Genus Metrosideros, family Myrtaceae: several species, in particular M. robusta.
- The rata trees in flower, the birds, the brushing of wet fern against my bare legs as I climbed over ridges on rainy days, chasing wild pigs.
- If you are lucky enough to visit in the summer when the rata is flowering the deep green vegetation is brightened by patches of rich red.
Origin
Late 18th century: from Maori.
Rhymes
- on the flat
- on the fly
- on the front foot
- on the game
- on the go
- on the grog
- on the ground
- on the hip
- on the home front
- on the hoof
- on the hook for
- on the hop
- on the horizon
- on the horn
- on the horns of a dilemma
- on the hour
- on the house
- on the improve
- on the increase
- on the inside
- on the instant
- on the job
- on the knocker
- on the latch
- on the level