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a member of a Nahuatl-speaking state in central Mexico that was conquered by Cortés in 1521.
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).
the Nahuatl language.
Contemporary Examples

Take Huitzilopochtli, the typically tongue-twisting Aztec name of an old hummingbird god.
Mexico City’s Magical Moment of Resurgence Condé Nast Traveler February 9, 2014

Filming in Mexico City, where his tutor would supplement world-history lessons with trips to nearby Aztec ruins.
‘Free Willy’ Turns 20: Catching Up With Star Jason James Richter Kevin Fallon July 15, 2013

Standouts were the liquidy column dresses, presented in colors named chili pepper and Aztec blue.
Diane von Furstenberg’s Spring/Summer 2014 Oasis Isabel Wilkinson September 8, 2013

Los Angeles was wonderfully exotic; a polyglot mix of Aztec, Incan, Mayan and New World scents and sounds.
The Liberal Case Against Illegal Immigration Doug McIntyre November 24, 2014

The Spaniards capitalized on her Aztec roots to colonize Mexico.
The Virgin Mary Becomes Pop Symbol Judith Dupre December 10, 2010

Historical Examples

It is impossible to enter here into details on the ancient Aztec society.
The Races of Man Joseph Deniker

The love of the Aztec race for warm, bright colors is seen everywhere.
Aztec Land Maturin M. Ballou

The early migrations of the two Aztec bands and their relationship, it may be said in passing, are as yet extremely obscure.
The Myths of the New World Daniel G. Brinton

This place is remarkable for the accumulation of Aztec and Spanish antiquities.
Aztec Land Maturin M. Ballou

We find a like conception in the Aztec wind-god Tezcatlipoca, who was looked upon as the primary source of existence.
The Myths of the North American Indians Lewis Spence

noun
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
the language of the Aztecs See also Nahuatl
adjective
of, relating to, or characteristic of the Aztecs, their civilization, or their language

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.