Tocantins
/tokɐ̃ˈtʃĩs/noun
A Brazilian state and the major river that flows through it.
Did you know?The name is generally traced to Tupi tukana, “toucan,” plus tĩ, “nose” or “beak,” apparently referring to the appearance of the bird or a traditional Indigenous group associated with the river.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-colonial period
Old Tupi
Tukantĩ
“A compound traditionally interpreted as “toucan-nose” or “toucan’s beak”; the precise historical reference is debated.”
16th Century
Portuguese
Tocantins
“Portuguese adaptation of an Indigenous name used for the river and its associated peoples.”
18th Century
Colonial Portuguese
Rio Tocantins
“The Tocantins River, a major waterway of central and northern Brazil.”
19th Century
Brazilian Portuguese
Tocantins
“A geographical name used for the river region.”
1988
Brazilian Portuguese
Estado do Tocantins
“The State of Tocantins, created as a Brazilian state.”
Modern English
English
Tocantins
“A Brazilian state and river; the name is retained as a Portuguese proper noun.”