cenotes

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   Natural wells or sinkholes in limestone, especially in Mexico, formed when a cave roof collapses and exposes groundwater.

   Grammar: Countable noun, usually plural because these features often appear in groups. The singular is 'cenote'.

   Patterns

   • a cenote in something
   • swim in a cenote
   • explore cenotes

   Tourists often swim in the cool water of cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula.

   The ancient Maya used cenotes as sources of fresh water and for religious ceremonies.

   We hiked through the jungle and found a hidden cenote with crystal-clear water.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A deep, natural pool of groundwater, often with steep rock walls, found in limestone regions.

   Grammar: Same as above; used when emphasizing the pool itself rather than the geological formation.

   Patterns

   • a cenote filled with water
   • the depth of a cenote

   Geologists study cenotes to understand underground water systems.

   The cenote was so deep that sunlight barely reached the bottom.

Word forms

Common combinations

swim in a cenote

Visitors can swim in a cenote near the archaeological site.

explore cenotes

We spent the day exploring cenotes hidden in the forest.

sacred cenote

The sacred cenote was used for offerings to the gods.

cenote water

The cenote water was refreshingly cool.

Synonyms and how they differ

sinkhole

A more general term for any hole formed by collapse; 'cenote' specifically refers to a water-filled one in limestone, often in Mexico.

natural well

A descriptive phrase; less precise than 'cenote' and not used as a technical term.

Word family

cenote noun

Singular form, referring to one such natural well.

Practice

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