chinampa

[ chi-nam-puh ]

noun

1. (in Mesoamerica) a long and narrow floating field on a shallow lake bed, artificially built up by layering soil, sediment, and decaying vegetation and used, especially by the Aztecs, to grow crops.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chinampa¹

1830–40; < Mexican Spanish < Nahuatl < chinamitl area enclosed by canes + pa on

Example Sentences

But archaeology has revealed that generations of sustainable chinampa management could be overturned almost overnight.

From Salon

Today, the future of chinampa agriculture hinges on a pocket of protected fields stewarded by local farmers in the marshy outskirts of Mexico City.

From Salon

These fields are now at risk as demand for housing drives informal settlements into the chinampa zone.

From Salon

So do the Mexican chinampa farmers working to restore local food to disenfranchised urban communities.

From Salon

We have the ring, we have the chinampa, we have everything,’” said the oldest brother, 25, who wrestles under the name “Ciclónico.”

From Washington Times