Columbia

Pronunciation

• Homophones: Colombia

Origin

From Christopher Columbus, the latinized name (whether from Italian (Colombo?), Spanish Colón or still another Romance language is disputed) of the European Renaissance (re?)discoverer of the Americas.

Full definition of Columbia

Proper noun

1. (poetic) America; the United States; an appellation given in honor of Columbus, the discoverer.
2. (archaic) The female personification of the USA.
3. The capital and largest city of South Carolina.
4. A city in Missouri
5. Shortened form of Columbia University.
6. The space shuttle (named after a famous American sailing ship, ).

Derived terms

• District of Columbia
• British Columbia
• CBS

Related terms

• Colomba
• Colombus
• Columbine
• Columbus