quipu

or khi·pu

[ kee-poo, kwip-oo ]

noun

a device consisting of a cord with knotted strings of various colors attached, used by the ancient Peruvians for recording events, keeping accounts, etc.

Origin of quipu

First recorded in 1695–1705; from Spanish, from Quechua khipu

Words Nearby quipu

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use quipu in a sentence

The instrument consisting of these strings and knots was called the quipu.
Travels in Peru, on the Coast, in the Sierra, Across the Cordilleras and the Andes, into the Primeval Forests | J. J. von Tschudi
In every town some expert men were appointed to tie the knots of the quipu, and to explain them.
Travels in Peru, on the Coast, in the Sierra, Across the Cordilleras and the Andes, into the Primeval Forests | J. J. von Tschudi
It, however, seldom happened that they had to read a quipu without some verbal commentary.
Travels in Peru, on the Coast, in the Sierra, Across the Cordilleras and the Andes, into the Primeval Forests | J. J. von Tschudi
The lengths of the strings used in making the quipu were various.
Travels in Peru, on the Coast, in the Sierra, Across the Cordilleras and the Andes, into the Primeval Forests | J. J. von Tschudi
According to Tylor, "the quipu is a near relation of the rosary and the wampum-string."
The Medicine-Men of the Apache. (1892 N 09 / 1887-1888 (pages 443-604)) | John G. Bourke

British Dictionary definitions for quipu

quipu

quippu

/ (ˈkiːpuː, ˈkwɪpuː) /

noun

a device of the Incas of Peru used to record information, consisting of an arrangement of variously coloured and knotted cords attached to a base cord

Origin of quipu

C17: from Spanish quipo, from Quechua quipu, literally: knot

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

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