Jamaica


[juh-mey-kuh] /dʒəˈmeɪ kə/

noun
1.
an island in the West Indies, S of Cuba. 4413 sq. mi. (11,430 sq. km).
2.
a republic coextensive with this island: formerly a British colony; became independent in 1962, retaining membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.
Capital: Kingston.
/dʒəˈmeɪkə/
noun
1.
an island and state in the Caribbean: colonized by the Spanish from 1494 onwards, large numbers of Black slaves being imported; captured by the British in 1655 and established as a colony in 1866; gained full independence in 1962; a member of the Commonwealth. Exports: chiefly bauxite and alumina, sugar, and bananas. Official language: English. Religion: Protestant majority. Currency: Jamaican dollar. Capital: Kingston. Pop: 2 909 714 (2013 est). Area: 10 992 sq km (4244 sq miles)

West Indian island, from Taino (Arawakan) xaymaca, said to mean “rich in springs.” Columbus when he found it in 1494 named it Santiago, but this did not stick. Related: Jamaican. The Jamaica in New York probably is a Delaware (Algonquian) word meaning “beaver pond” altered by influence of the island name.

Nation in the West Indies, situated south of Cuba and west of Haiti, in the Caribbean Sea. Its capital and largest city is Kingston.

Note: It was the leading world sugar producer in the eighteenth century, when a large slave population grew up around sugar plantations.

Note: A British colony from 1865 to 1962, Jamaica then became completely independent.

Note: The country has a high level of poverty.

Note: Tourism is a major industry.

Read Also:

  • Jamaica-ginger

    noun 1. an alcoholic extract of ginger used as a flavoring. 2. powdered ginger root used for medicinal purposes.

  • Jamaica-honeysuckle

    noun 1. . noun 1. a climbing vine, Passiflora laurifolia, of tropical America, having red-spotted white flowers nearly 4 inches (10 cm) wide, with a white and violet-colored crown, and edible yellow fruit.

  • Jamaican

    [juh-mey-kuh n] /dʒəˈmeɪ kən/ adjective 1. of or relating to the island of or its inhabitants. noun 2. a native or inhabitant of . /dʒəˈmeɪkən/ adjective 1. of or relating to Jamaica or its inhabitants noun 2. a native or inhabitant of Jamaica

  • Jamaican ebony

    noun 1. another name for cocuswood

  • Jamaica pepper

    noun 1. another name for allspice


Disclaimer: Jamaica definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.