Cenote
/səˈnoʊ.teɪ/noun
A natural sinkhole filled with water, often found in limestone regions, especially in Mexico.
Did you know?In ancient Mayan culture, cenotes were considered sacred and were often used for rituals, including human sacrifices, to appease water deities.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ken-
“to cut or strike, related to the formation of natural openings in the earth.”
Classical Nahuatl
Nahuatl
tʃenot
“a well or sinkhole, reflecting the geographical features of the region.”
Spanish Colonial Era
Spanish
cenote
“derived from Nahuatl, referring specifically to these water-filled sinkholes.”
Modern English
English
cenote
“adopted from Spanish to describe these unique geological formations.”