| Term | Definition |
| cordillera | mountain system made up of parallel ranges |
| tepuis | seep-sided plateaus capped by sandstone layers that have resisted erosion |
| llanos | plains region of eastern Colombia and western Venezuela |
| El Dorado | a legend that describes a marvelous, rich land; also called "the Golden One" |
| cassava | tropical plant with starchy roots |
| indigo | plant used to make a deep blue dye |
| caudillos | military leaders of Venezuela |
| llaneros | cowboys of the Venezuelan llanos |
| pardos | people of mixed European, African, and South American Indian ancestry |
| indentured servants | agreed to work for a certain period of time, often in exchange for travel expenses |
| pidgin languages | simple languages that help people who speak different languages understand each other |