Quetzalcoatl
|Quet-zal-co-atl|
🇺🇸
/ˌkɛtsəlˈkoʊətəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌkɛtsəlˈkwɑːtəl/
Feathered serpent deity
Etymology
'Quetzalcoatl' originates from the Nahuatl language, specifically the words 'quetzalli' meaning 'feather' and 'coatl' meaning 'serpent'.
'Quetzalcoatl' was adopted into Spanish during the colonial period and has been used in English since the 19th century.
Initially, it referred to a deity in Mesoamerican mythology, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a Mesoamerican deity, often depicted as a feathered serpent, associated with wind, air, and learning.
Quetzalcoatl was worshipped by the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a legendary figure in Aztec mythology, believed to have been a priest-king who brought civilization to the people.
The legend of Quetzalcoatl tells of his return to reclaim his throne.
Last updated: 2025/01/25 06:42