huaca

noun

hua·​ca
ˈwäkə
variants or guaca
ˈgw-
plural -s
: an ancient Peruvian sacred object:
a
: god, spirit
b
: any object (as a mountain, animal, shrine, or artifact) inhabited by a god or spirit : fetish compare manitou, nagual, zemi
c
: a pre-Columbian ruin (as a tomb or burial mound)

Word History

Etymology

Spanish guaca, huaca, from Quechua wáka

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near huaca

Cite this Entry

“Huaca.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/huaca. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!