pre-Columbian

[ pree-kuh-luhm-bee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the Americas before the arrival of Columbus:

   pre-Columbian art; pre-Columbian Indians.

pre-Columbian

adjective

1. of or relating to the Americas before they were discovered by Columbus

Word History and Origins

Origin of pre-Columbian¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

One of the largest sites of pre-Columbian Mayan ruins, Tikal was once one of the most important cities in the Mayan world.

From The Daily Beast

It is, indeed, possible that the skeleton may be pre-Columbian.

From Project Gutenberg

The pre-Columbian Mexicans inherited a practical knowledge of mechanics and engineering.

From Project Gutenberg

Probably the amount and extent of wars existing north of Mexico in Pre-Columbian times were not as large as is generally stated.

From Project Gutenberg

As yet, however, no examples of wooden doors have been seen in any of the pre-Columbian ruins.

From Project Gutenberg

The peanut, or ground-nut (Arachis hypogaea), is another widely-cultivated plant, dating from pre-Columbian times.

From Project Gutenberg