cenote

[suh-noh-tee]

noun

1. a deep natural well or sinkhole, especially in Central America, formed by the collapse of surface limestone that exposes groundwater underneath.

cenote

/ sɪˈnəʊteɪ /

noun

1. (esp in the Yucatán peninsula) a natural well formed by the collapse of an overlying limestone crust: often used as a sacrificial site by the Mayas

Word History and Origins

Origin of cenote¹

First recorded in 1835–45; from Mexican Spanish, from Yucatec Mayan tz'onot

Word History and Origins

Origin of cenote¹

C19: via Mexican Spanish from Maya conot

Example Sentences

It produced the open-face freshwater caverns known as “cenotes” and underground rivers that are in equal parts awe-inspiring and delicate, explained Emiliano Monroy-Ríos, a geologist at Northwestern University studying the region.

From Seattle Times

The family, like many along the train’s path, was originally opposed of the project because they worried it would destroy the cenotes drawing tourists.

From Seattle Times

“Our operations have not adversely affected underground caves, cenotes or archaeological sites. In fact, we have mapped, protected and preserved these valuable resources,” the company said in a statement.

From Seattle Times

It is a magnificent sight, one which very few people have seen as "Oppenheimer" does not feature in any tourist trips or local cenote visits.

From BBC

The objects were excavated by archaeologist Edward H. Thompson, who owned the cenote in the early 20th century.

From Los Angeles Times