How Do You Spell TEOCALLI?

Pronunciation: [tɪˈɒkɐlˌi] (IPA)

Teocalli is a word that is typically spelled using the English alphabet. Its phonetic transcription in the International Phonetic Alphabet is [teo.ka.ˈli]. This word comes from the ancient Mesoamerican languages, particularly Nahuatl (spoken primarily by the Aztec peoples). Teocalli refers to the pyramidal temples used in Aztec and other indigenous cultures in Central and South America for religious purposes. The word has been adopted into English, and although it may be spelled in different ways depending on the source, this spelling is the most common.

TEOCALLI Meaning and Definition

1. A Teocalli, also known as a teōcalli, is an ancient Mesoamerican architectural structure associated with religious practices. The term originates from the classical Nahuatl language, where "teōcalli" translates to "god house" or "temple." Teocallis were specifically built by civilizations such as the Aztecs, Toltecs, and Maya, among others, as religious sanctuaries dedicated to their deities.

   Typically constructed as step pyramids or platforms, teocallis stood as towering monuments, often found at the epicenter of religious centers or urban areas. The design of a teocalli featured a series of ascending terraces or levels, each representing a different deity or heavenly plane. At the very top of the structure, a shrine or temple was placed, housing sacred sculptures or idols symbolizing the god to which it was dedicated.

   These sacred spaces were the focal point of religious ceremonies, including sacrifices, offerings, and rituals. Priests and shamans ascended the steps of the teocalli to connect with the divine realm and perform various sacred duties. The scale and grandeur of teocallis varied depending on the power and wealth of the civilization who constructed them; some structures reached staggering heights, emphasizing the importance of the gods within the society.

   Serving as spiritual landmarks and cultural symbols, teocallis played a fundamental role in the religious and social fabric of Mesoamerican civilizations. Today, many ancient teocallis remain as significant archaeological sites, offering glimpses into the complex and sophisticated religious practices of these ancient cultures.

2. A pyramid for the worship of the gods among the anc. Mexicans and other aborigines of Amer.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TEOCALLI

• reocalli
• feocalli
• geocalli
• yeocalli
• 6eocalli
• 5eocalli
• twocalli
• tsocalli
• tdocalli
• trocalli
• t4ocalli
• t3ocalli
• teicalli
• tekcalli
• telcalli
• tepcalli
• te0calli
• te9calli
• teoxalli
• teovalli

Etymology of TEOCALLI

The word "Teocalli" is derived from the Nahuatl language, specifically from the combination of the words "teōtl", meaning "god", and "calli", meaning "house" or "home". In Nahuatl, "teōtl" refers to deities or gods, and "calli" refers to a building or dwelling. Therefore, "Teocalli" can be translated as "house of the gods" or "temple" in English. It is often used to refer to the ancient Mesoamerican pyramids or temples used for religious ceremonies and rituals.

Plural form of TEOCALLI is TEOCALLIS