Titicaca

American  

[tit-i-kah-kuh, tee-tee-kah-kah] / ˌtɪt ɪˈkɑ kə, ˌti tiˈkɑ kɑ /

noun

1. Lake Titicaca, a lake on the boundary between southern Peru and western Bolivia, in the Andes: the largest lake in the region; the highest large lake in the world. 3,200 square miles (8,290 square kilometers); 12,508 feet (3,812 meters) above sea level.

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Titicaca British  

/ titiˈkaka /

noun

1. a lake between S Peru and W Bolivia, in the Andes: the highest large lake in the world; drained by the Desaguadero River flowing into Lake Poopó. Area: 8135 sq km (3141 sq miles). Altitude: 3809 m (12 497 ft). Depth: 370 m (1214 ft)

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Etymology

Origin of Titicaca

First recorded in 1750–55; from Spanish (Lago) Titicaca, from Quechua Titiqaqa (Qucha)

Example Sentences

A family of Peruvian farmers harvests quinoa near Lake Titicaca.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 26, 2024

Since then, more archaeological discoveries around Lake Titicaca have suggested that ancient farmers were forced to work the raised fields by the expansionist Tiwanaku empire during its peak between AD 500 and 1100.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2024

Flores-Blanco said it's among the highest plateau lands explored and conquered by humans, with Lake Titicaca sitting at an elevation of 12,500 feet.

From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2023

A woman walks on a dried-out portion of Lake Titicaca in Coata, Peru.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2023

The first important settlement around Titicaca was likely Chiripa, on a little peninsula on the lake’s southwest coast.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann