temple mound

1 of 2

noun

1

: a mound forming the foundation of a temple (as in Mayan and Aztec architecture) compare teocalli

2

: a truncated American Indian mound believed to have been the site of an altar or rude temple

Temple Mound

2 of 2

adjective

: of or belonging to a culture of the southern and southeastern U.S. about 1300–1700 characterized by pyramidal mounds built as platforms for temples and by village-states, shell-tempered polychrome pottery, and intensive hoe agriculture

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

temple mound

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