Mesoamerica

Or Mes·o-A·mer·i·ca

[mez-oh-uh-mer-i-kuh, mes-, mee-zoh-, -soh-]

noun

1. Anthropology, Archaeology.,  the area extending approximately from central Mexico to Honduras and Nicaragua in which diverse pre-Columbian civilizations flourished.

2. (loosely) Central America.

Mesoamerica

/ ˌmɛsəʊəˈmɛrɪkə /

noun

1. another name for Central America

Other Word Forms

• Mesoamerican adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mesoamerica¹

meso- + America

Example Sentences

Archaeological evidence suggests that cacao has been cultivated in Mesoamerica for at least 5,000 years.

From Los Angeles Times

In ancient Mesoamerica, for example, the color white represented the spark of a creative process, while black was the color of death.

From Los Angeles Times

Ancient Aztec communities from the pre-Columbian period of Mesoamerica had a rich mythological codex that was also part of their ritual and sacrificial ceremonies.

From Science Daily

Avocados have been a part of the Mexican diet since ancient Mesoamerica, but the Hass – the most popular variety worldwide today – was bred in modern California.

From Salon

“A lot of people who study ancient Mesoamerica will be shocked when they see this piece,” said Cesáreo Moreno, the museum’s visual arts director and chief curator.

From New York Times