ScienceAugust 19, 2026

adobe

uh-DOH-bee

Definition

A type of sun-dried building material made of clay, sand, and organic binders, often used for bricks.

Etymology

The word traces back through Spanish to the Arabic 'al-tub' (the brick), ultimately deriving from the Egyptian word 'tobe' meaning brick.

In the news

The article uses the word to describe the material composition of the ancient pyramid Huaca Pucllana, highlighting the construction techniques of the Lima culture.

Archaeologists unveil skeletal remains believed to be ritual offering in Peru

Read the full article ↗

The Washington Post

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