Aztec

[az-tek] /ˈæz tɛk/
noun
1.
a member of a Nahuatl-speaking state in central Mexico that was conquered by Cortés in 1521.
2.
Also called classical Nahuatl. 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.
Origin
1780-90; < Spanish azteca < Nahuatl aztēcah, plural of aztēcatl person from Aztlān, the legendary place of origin of the Aztecs
Related forms
Aztecan, adjective
post-Aztec, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for aztecs

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
3.
of, relating to, or characteristic of the Aztecs, their civilization, or their language
Word Origin
C18: from Spanish Azteca, from Nahuatl Aztecatl, from Aztlan, their traditional place of origin, literally: near the cranes, from azta cranes + tlan near
Word Origin and History for aztecs

Aztec

1787, from Spanish Azteca, from Nahuatl aztecatl (plural aztecah), meaning "coming from Aztlan," name of their legendary place of origin, usually said to lie somewhere in what is now southwestern U.S.

aztecs in Culture

Aztecs definition


A Native American people who ruled Mexico and neighboring areas before the Spaniards conquered the region in the sixteenth century. Starting in the twelfth century, they built up an advanced civilization and empire. (See Hernando Cortés and Montezuma.)