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Definition 2025

Columbian_Exchange

Columbian Exchange

English

Proper noun

the Columbian Exchange ‎(uncountable)

  1. (historical) The widespread transfer of animals, plants, culture, human populations, communicable diseases, technology and ideas between the American and Afro-Eurasian hemispheres in the 15th and 16th centuries, related to European colonization and trade after Christopher Columbus' 1492 voyage.

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Etymology

First used in 1972 by American historian Alfred W. Crosby, in his eponymous work of environmental history, thereafter rapidly being adopted by other historians and journalists.

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