olmec

adjective

1. of or designating a Mesoamerican civilization, c1000–400 b.c., along the southern Gulf coast of Mexico, characterized by extensive agriculture, a dating system, long-distance trade networks, pyramids and ceremonial centers, and very fine jade work.

noun, plural Ol·mecs, (especially collectively) Ol·mec.

2. a member of the ancient people who belonged to the Olmec civilization.

noun plural -mecs or -mec

1. a member of an ancient Central American Indian people who inhabited the southern Gulf Coast of Mexico and flourished between about 1200 and 400 bc

adjective

2. of or relating to these people or their civilization or culture

1787, from Nahuatl Olmecatl (plural Olmeca), literally “inhabitant of the rubber country.”