noun
- A natural sinkhole or underground chamber with water, found especially in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
Usage: From Spanish, derived from Mayan languages; Common in geological and travel contexts
Examples
- The cenote provided fresh water to the ancient Mayan civilization.
- Tourists swim in the crystal-clear cenote during visits to the Yucatan.
- Many cenotes were considered sacred sites by the Maya.
- The cenote formed when the limestone bedrock collapsed, exposing groundwater.
- Divers explore the underwater passages of the cenote to study its geology.