Olmec

[ol-mek, ohl-]Archaeology

adjective

of or designating a Mesoamerican civilization, c1000–400 b.c., along the southern Gulf coast of Mexico, characterized by extensive agriculture, a dating system, long-distance trade networks, pyramids and ceremonial centers, and very fine jade work.

noun, plural Ol·mecs, (especially collectively) Ol·mec.

a member of the ancient people who belonged to the Olmec civilization.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for olmec

Historical Examples of olmec

Conan heard Olmec call a woman and direct her to bandage Valeria's leg.
Red Nails
Robert E. Howard
And as they went Conan's iron fingers found and locked in Olmec's bull-throat.
Red Nails
Robert E. Howard
"Your guest does not like your wine, Olmec," spoke a cool, sardonic voice.
Red Nails
Robert E. Howard
While Olmec talked, Valeria felt the blazing eyes of Tascela fixed upon her.
Red Nails
Robert E. Howard
Olmec hurried on down the corridor, and descended a winding ivory staircase.
Red Nails
Robert E. Howard

British Dictionary definitions for olmec

Olmec

noun plural -mecs or -mec

a member of an ancient Central American Indian people who inhabited the southern Gulf Coast of Mexico and flourished between about 1200 and 400 bc

adjective

of or relating to these people or their civilization or culture

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for olmec

Olmec

1787, from Nahuatl Olmecatl (plural Olmeca), literally "inhabitant of the rubber country."