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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!