Pronunciation: (zim-bäb'wā, -wē), [key]
1. Formerly, Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia. a republic in S Africa: a former British colony and part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland; gained independence 1980. 7,200,000; 150,330 sq. mi. (389,362 sq. km). Cap.: Harare.
2. the site of stone ruins (Great Zimbabwe) discovered c1870 in Rhodesia, probably built by a Bantu people, consisting of three main groups of ruins, and dating between the 9th and 15th centuries a.d.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.