Aztec
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.
Read Also:
- Aztec lily
Jacobean lily. a bulbous plant, Sprekelia formosissima, of the amaryllis family, native to Mexico, bearing a large, bright-red flower.
- Aztec marigold
African marigold. a bushy composite plant, Tagetes erecta, of Mexico, having pinnate leaves and large yellow or orange flower heads.
- Aztec two-step
Slang. traveler’s diarrhea, especially as experienced by some visitors to Mexico. noun phrase Diarrhea; montezuma’s revenge, turista
- Azubah
azubah deserted. (1.) The wife of Caleb (1 Chr. 2:18, 19). (2.) The daughter of Shilhi, and mother of king Jehoshaphat (1 Kings 22:42). Historical Examples azubah Ash had a gaunt frame with large bones; her chest was hollow, and she stooped a little as she walked. The Front Yard Constance Fenimore Woolson
- Azuchi-momoyama
a period of Japanese art, 1568–1600, characterized by construction of imposing, elegant castles and small, unadorned teahouses, lavish decorative arts, and bright-colored painting.