Aztec

[ az-tek ]
/ ˈæz tɛk /

noun

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.

Origin of Aztec

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

OTHER WORDS FROM Aztec

Az·tec·an, adjective post-Az·tec, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for aztecs

British Dictionary definitions for aztecs

Aztec
/ (ˈæztɛk) /

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 Also: Aztecan

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

Word Origin for Aztec

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

Cultural definitions for aztecs

Aztecs

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.)