in|ca

in|ca «IHNG kuh», noun.

a sea bird of the western coast of South America having dark plumage with a bundle of white plumes on each side of the head; inca tern.

╂[< Inca (because it is found in Peru)]

In|ca «IHNG kswa>», noun, plural -cas or -ca.

1. a member of the group of South American Indians who ruled a large empire in Peru and other parts of South America before the Spanish conquest in the 1500's. The Incas were highly civilized.

2. a ruler or a member of the royal family of this group. The Incas were Quechuans.

╂[< Spanish Inga, or Inca < Quechua (Peru) ynca king; prince of the ruling family]