I. məˈlā, ˈmāˌlā noun
Etymology: obsolete Dutch Malayo (now Maleier ) from Malay Mĕlayu
1. -s capitalized : a member of a people of the Malay peninsula, eastern Sumatra, parts of Borneo, and some small adjacent islands
2. -s capitalized : the Austronesian language of the Malays widely used as a trade language
3.
a. usually capitalized : an Asiatic breed of tall upright exhibition game fowls with walnut comb and small wattles, very long legs, naked face and throat, and distinctive mahogany red and black plumage
b. -s often capitalized : any bird of the Malay breed
II. adjective
Usage: usually capitalized
1.
a. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Malaya
b. : of, relating to, or characteristic of Malaysia
2. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Malays
3. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Malay language