Aztec

[ az-tek ]

noun

1. a member of a Nahuatl-speaking state in central Mexico that was conquered by Cortés in 1521.
2. Also called clas·si·cal Na·hua·tl [klas, -i-k, uh, l , nah, -waht-l]. the variety of Nahuatl that served as the medium of Aztec civilization, aboriginally written in a chiefly pictographic script. Compare Nahuatl ( def 2 ).
3. the Nahuatl language.

Aztec

/ ˈæztɛk /

noun

1. a member of a Mexican Indian people who established a great empire, centred on the valley of Mexico, that was overthrown by Cortés and his followers in the early 16th century
2. the language of the Aztecs See also Nahuatl

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Aztecs, their civilization, or their language

Other Words From

• Az·tec·an adjective
• post-Az·tec adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Aztec¹

1780–90; < Spanish azteca < Nahuatl aztēcah, plural of aztēcatl person from Aztlān, the legendary place of origin of the Aztecs

Word History and Origins

Origin of Aztec¹

C18: from Spanish Azteca, from Nahuatl Aztecatl, from Aztlan, their traditional place of origin, literally: near the cranes, from azta cranes + tlan near

Example Sentences

The research team also obtained sound recordings of original Aztec death whistles as well as from handmade replicas.

From Science Daily

The feathered headdress once worn by Aztec emperor Moctezuma II resides in Vienna.

From Los Angeles Times

The Aztecs said they came from a land north of Mexico called Aztlán.

From Los Angeles Times

Gonzo’s cover depicts the Latino hero in a flat 2-D drawing resembling Aztec art, he said, instead of the usual 3D action shot.

From Los Angeles Times

“I felt proud. He made us proud of our Aztec and Mayan roots.”

From Los Angeles Times