Argentina

[ahr-juhn-tee-nuh, ahr-hen-tee-nah]

noun

1. a republic in southern South America. 1,084,120 sq. mi. (2,807,870 sq. km). Buenos Aires.

Argentina

/ ˌɑːdʒənˈtiːnə /

noun

1. Also called: the Argentine. a republic in southern South America: colonized by the Spanish from 1516 onwards; gained independence in 1816 and became a republic in 1852; ruled by military dictatorships for much of the 20th century; civilian rule restored in 1983; consists chiefly of subtropical plains and forests (the Chaco) in the north, temperate plains (the pampas) in the central parts, the Andes in the west, and an infertile plain extending to Tierra del Fuego in the south (Patagonia); an important meat producer. Language: Spanish. Religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: peso. Capital: Buenos Aires. Pop: 42 610 981 (2013 est). Area: 2 776 653 sq km (1 072 067 sq miles)

Argentina

1. Republic in southern South America, bordered by Chile to the west; Bolivia and Paraguay to the north; and Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Its capital and largest city is Buenos Aires.

Juan Perón came to power in Argentina in 1946, establishing a dictatorship, and ruled with the aid of his second wife, the popular Eva Perón, until he was overthrown in 1955. He was president again from 1973 to 1974, when he died.

Second-largest nation of South America, after Brazil.

Other Word Forms

• anti-Argentina adjective
• pro-Argentina adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Argentina¹

From Spanish, from Italian: literally “made of silver, silver colored” (equivalent to argento “silver” + -ino adjective suffix), shortening of Terra Argentina “Land of Silver,” or Costa Argentina “Coast of Silver”; ultimately a derivative of Latin argentum “silver”; -ine ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

New Zealand beat Australia to move top of the Rugby Championship table but South Africa will win the title if they defeat Argentina in their final game later on Saturday.

From BBC

Protests in support of the flotilla and against the war in Gaza ramped up around the world as the boats neared the Strip, in countries including Spain, Italy, Colombia and Argentina.

From BBC

Authorities in countries including Brazil and Argentina are split, with some banning the practice, and others allowing operations.

From BBC

Argentina legend Messi also netted 18 times across a span of nine matches back in March 2012 while in the colours of Barcelona.

From BBC

Mr Ozorio will be handed over to Argentine police soon, while Mr Valverde, who is a Peruvian citizen, will stay in jail in Peru for now pending an extradition request by Argentina.

From BBC