ˈazˌtek sometimes ˈaˌstek noun
( -s )
Etymology: Spanish azteca, from Nahuatl, plural of aztecatl, from Aztlan, Aztatlan, their legendary place of origin, literally, near the cranes (from azta — plural of aztatl crane — + tlan near) + -tecatl (suffix denoting origin)
1. usually capitalized
a. : a Nahuatl people that founded the Mexican empire conquered by Cortes in 1519
b.
(1) : a member of such people
(2) : a member of any Nahuatl people or of any people under Aztec influence
2. usually capitalized
a. : the language of the Aztec people
b. : nahuatl
3. often capitalized : a moderate to strong yellowish brown that is lighter and slightly redder than tobacco brown and slightly redder and darker than clay — called also Indian tan