Definition

Noun: 1. A port city in northeastern Brazil on the Atlantic coast: Pernambuco is the name of a major city and seaport in Brazil. Historically, it was a crucial center for the sugar trade. The city is also known by the name Recife, which is its official and more commonly used name today.

Usage Notes

• Pernambuco is primarily a proper noun, referring to a specific place. It is often used in historical, geographical, or cultural contexts.
• In modern usage, the city is almost exclusively called Recife. "Pernambuco" is also the name of the surrounding Brazilian state (Estado de Pernambuco). Therefore, the term can sometimes refer to the broader state rather than just the city. Context is key.

Examples

• Historical Context:
  • In the 16th and 17th centuries, Pernambuco was a wealthy center of sugar production.
  • The Dutch occupied Pernambuco for several decades in the 1600s.
• Geographical/Cultural Context:
  • The state of Pernambuco is famous for its vibrant carnival and frevo music.
  • While planning our trip to northeastern Brazil, we decided to fly into Pernambuco (Recife).

Advanced Usage

• Metonymy: The name "Pernambuco" can be used metonymically to refer to the sugar industry or colonial economy of that region in historical texts.
  • The wealth of Pernambuco was built on the labor of enslaved people.

Variants and Related Words

• Recife (n): The official and contemporary name for the city of Pernambuco. It is the capital of the state of Pernambuco.
  • Recife is known as the "Venice of Brazil" due to its many rivers, bridges, and islands.
• Pernambucan (adj): Of or relating to the city or state of Pernambuco.
  • The Pernambucan coastline is beautiful.

Synonyms

• Recife: This is the direct synonym for the city itself.

Notes on Different Meanings

• Primary Meaning: A port city in Brazil (synonymous with Recife).
• Secondary Meaning: The Brazilian state (Estado de Pernambuco) of which Recife is the capital.
• Tertiary Meaning (Specialized): "Pernambuco wood" (also known as Brazilwood or ), a historically important tree from the region used to produce red dye and for making high-quality violin bows. This meaning is highly specific to historical commerce or musical instrument craftsmanship.
  • This violin bow is made from rare Pernambuco wood.

Noun

1. a port city of northeastern Brazil on the Atlantic