boobyalla

noun

boo·​by·​al·​la
ˌbübēˈalə
variants or boobialla
plural -s
1
: an Australian wattle (Acacia longifolia)

called also native willow

2
: any of several Australian trees of the genus Myoporum having alternate leaves and flowers in clusters (especially M. acuminatum)

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from bubiala in a language of the Southeastern Tasmanian family

Note: Cf. R.M.W. Dixon et al., Australian Aboriginal Words in English: Their Origin and Meaning, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, 2006, p. 108.

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Cite this Entry

“Boobyalla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boobyalla. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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