Calche

/ˈkæltʃeɪ/ noun

Definition

A type of light carriage or cart used in Latin America, drawn by horses; also a hardpan layer of mineral deposits in soil.

Etymology

From Spanish 'calcheta' or related Spanish/Portuguese roots; possibly from indigenous Andean languages. Also used as a geological term for caliche layers.

Kelly Says

In Chile and Argentina, a calche was the humble vehicle of local travel—now the word has two lives: one in history books, one in geology textbooks describing crusty soil layers!

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