latifundium

noun

lat·​i·​fun·​di·​um ˌla-tə-ˈfən-dē-əm How to pronounce latifundium (audio)
plural latifundia ˌla-tə-ˈfən-dē-ə How to pronounce latifundium (audio)
: a great landed estate with primitive agriculture and labor often in a state of partial servitude

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from latus wide + fundus piece of landed property, foundation, bottom — more at bottom

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of latifundium was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near latifundium

Cite this Entry

“Latifundium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latifundium. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on latifundium

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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