corita: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low FrequencyTechnical / Anthropological
Quick answer
What does “corita” mean?
A small, round, shallow, and often traditional Native American ceremonial basket or vessel, especially one used by the Pomo tribe of California.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, round, shallow, and often traditional Native American ceremonial basket or vessel, especially one used by the Pomo tribe of California.
Refers specifically to the coiled basketry bowls and trays made by California Native American groups, historically used for serving, holding food, or in ceremonies. In a broader artistic context, it may refer to the style or technique of these baskets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually no difference in usage, as the term is specific to North American anthropology/material culture. More likely to be encountered in American academic or museum contexts.
Connotations
Technical, ethnological, culturally specific.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties; slightly higher likelihood in relevant American technical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “corita” in a Sentence
[NP be made of] (e.g., The corita was made of willow and sedge root.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “corita” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- corita basket
- corita weaving technique
American English
- corita-style weaving
- corita design elements
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in anthropology, archaeology, Native American studies, and art history texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Used in museology, ethnology, and descriptions of material culture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corita”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corita”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corita”
- Using it as a general term for any basket.
- Misspelling as 'corrito', 'carita', or 'korita'.
- Assuming it is a Spanish-derived word (related to 'corazón' or 'correr').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term from anthropology and Native American studies.
No. It refers specifically to a type of traditional coiled basket, primarily from California tribes like the Pomo.
No, it is an adopted term from Native American languages (likely Pomoan). Do not confuse it with Spanish words like 'corita' (diminutive of 'coro' - choir) or 'corazón' (heart).
In museum exhibits on Native American culture, academic anthropological texts, or specialist auctions of tribal art.
A small, round, shallow, and often traditional Native American ceremonial basket or vessel, especially one used by the Pomo tribe of California.
Corita is usually technical / anthropological in register.
Corita: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈriːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈridə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CORIta - think of CORE items used in Native American ceremonies. The word has the 'core' of cultural tradition in it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CORITA IS A CULTURAL TEXT (it encodes history, skill, and tradition in its woven form).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'corita' most specifically?