Origin: Greek prefix poly-
Polynesia has 2 different meanings across 2 categories:
the islands in the eastern part of Oceania
"The Polynesian Islands, which are located in the eastern part of Oceania, include famous destinations like Tahiti and Hawaii."
Part of Oceania including Easter Island, Hawaii, New Zealand, and most of the islands between them.
"Polynesia is a vast region of Oceania that includes Easter Island, Hawaii, New Zealand, and the many islands scattered in between."
The name Polynesia comes from French, where it was originally coined in 1756 using Ancient Greek words for "many" and "island." While the term first described all Pacific islands, its current restricted meaning to a specific region of Oceania was established by explorer J. S. C. Dumont d'Urville in 1832.