kiwi

views updated May 09 2018

ki·wi / ˈkēwē/ • n. (pl. kiwis ) 1. a flightless New Zealand bird (genus Apteryx, family Apterygidae) with hairlike feathers, having a long down-curved bill with sensitive nostrils at the tip. 2. (Kiwi) inf. a New Zealander, esp. a soldier or member of a national sports team.

kiwi

views updated May 17 2018

kiwi Fruit of Actinidia sinensis, originally a native of China and also known as Chinese gooseberry; commercial growing began in New Zealand in 1906. A 60‐g portion (one fruit) is a rich source of vitamin C; supplies 25 kcal (105 kJ).

kiwi

views updated May 14 2018

kiwi a flightless New Zealand bird with hair-like feathers, having a long downcurved bill with sensitive nostrils at the tip, a national emblem of New Zealand; from the early 20th century, used informally for a New Zealander.

kiwi

views updated May 11 2018

kiwi Any of three species of flightless, fast-running, forest and scrubland birds of New Zealand; especially the common brown kiwi, Apteryx australis. It has a long, flexible bill with which it probes for food in the ground. Family Apterygidae.

kiwi

views updated May 21 2018

kiwi (Apteryx) See APTERYGIDAE.

kiwi

views updated May 18 2018

kiwi XIX — Maori.