a state of NE Brazil, on the Atlantic: consists of a humid coastal plain rising to a high inland plateau. Capital: Recife. Pop: 8 084 667 (2002). Area: 98 280 sq km (37 946 sq miles)
2. the former name of Recife
Pernambuco in American English
(ˌpɜrnəmˈbukoʊ; Portuguese ˌ pɛʀnɑ̃mˈbukʊ)
1.
state of NE Brazil: 38,200 sq mi (98,938 sq km); pop. 7,128,000; cap. Recife