Andes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A prominent chain of mountains located in the western part of South America, recognized for its vast ecosystems and cultural heritage of local communities
2. This extensive mountain range in South America features numerous peaks, varied climates, and is vital for its ecological diversity and indigenous cultures
3. A long mountainous region stretching along the western edge of South America, known for its high peaks and diverse natural environments

Etymology: The name of the mountain range is a Spanish word, "Andes," that most likely comes from Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire. The Quechua word "anti" meant "east," and the range lies to the east of the Pacific coast where Spanish colonists first settled, which is why the mountains would have been named for their direction from that vantage point. Whatever its exact origin, the name was applied by Spanish speakers to the great cordillera running down the western edge of the continent. The mountains themselves were already central to the Andean peoples who lived among them long before any European arrived, and the name became the standard term for the range in English as well.