- a group of islands in the S Pacific: a part of French Polynesia; largest island, Tahiti. (Excluding minor islands) 453 sq. mi. (1,173 sq. km). Capital: Papeete.
- a group of islands in the S Pacific: administratively part of French Polynesia; consists of the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands; became a French protectorate in 1843 and a colony in 1880. Pop: 214 445 (2002). Area: 1595 sq km (616 sq miles)
