Columbian

/kəˈlʌmbiən/ adjective

Definition

Related to or named after Christopher Columbus, or referring to the period of time after Columbus arrived in the Americas.

Etymology

From Christopher Columbus's Latinized name 'Colombus.' The term became common to describe the era of European colonial expansion in the Americas that followed his 1492 voyage.

Kelly Says

Historians now use 'Columbian Exchange' to describe how Columbus's voyage accidentally connected two worlds — crops like potatoes and tomatoes went to Europe while diseases went to the Americas, reshaping global populations and cuisine forever.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.