1. A natural sinkhole or underground chamber with water, found especially in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
Usage: From Spanish, derived from Mayan languages; Common in geological and travel contexts

Examples

• The cenote provided fresh water to the ancient Mayan civilization.
• Tourists swim in the crystal-clear cenote during visits to the Yucatan.
• Many cenotes were considered sacred sites by the Maya.
• The cenote formed when the limestone bedrock collapsed, exposing groundwater.
• Divers explore the underwater passages of the cenote to study its geology.