Olmec

[ ol-mek, ohl- ]

/ ˈɒl mɛk, ˈoʊl- /

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for olmec

"Your guest does not like your wine, Olmec," spoke a cool, sardonic voice.
Red Nails|Robert E. Howard
As they stooped to pick up a woman who had been stunned by a war-club, Olmec's beard brushed Topal's ear.
Red Nails|Robert E. Howard
Olmec hurried on down the corridor, and descended a winding ivory staircase.
Red Nails|Robert E. Howard
Olmec sat motionless, a gray pallor growing under his swarthy skin.
Red Nails|Robert E. Howard

Awakening instinct brought him about again, just as Olmec struck with his great mallet-like fist.
Red Nails|Robert E. Howard

British Dictionary definitions for olmec

Olmec

/ (ˈɒlmɛk) /

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."