patapata. 1. v.i. Drip, drop.
2. n. Drop, as of rain. E ua patapata nunui, ka mate au (T. 61).
3. Thrums, strings on a cloak.
4. Parallel lines in the detail of carving, certain forms being known as pata nui or patapata nunui.
5. Tentaculae of a cuttlefish. Ko nga kawekawe, ara ko nga patapata, ko nga ngongotua ka rere era ki te huka kopuru moana.
Williams Dictionary