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.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

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).

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

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.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

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.

World Encyclopedia