azores
|A-zo-res|
🇺🇸
/əˈzɔrz/
🇬🇧
/əˈzɔːz/
(Azores)
islands named for goshawks
Etymology
'Azores' originates from Portuguese, specifically the word 'Açores', where 'açor' meant 'goshawk'.
'Azores' changed from the Portuguese word 'Açores' used by early Portuguese sailors in the 15th century; 'Açores' itself comes from Old Portuguese 'açor', ultimately related to Latin 'accipiter' (goshawk), and was adopted into English as 'Azores'.
Initially, the name referred to 'goshawks' (the islands were named for birds thought to be goshawks), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the archipelago / autonomous region in the North Atlantic'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a group of volcanic islands (an archipelago) in the North Atlantic Ocean, located about 1,400 km west of mainland Portugal.
Many tourists visit the azores to see the volcanic landscapes and hot springs.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an autonomous region of Portugal (a political/administrative entity composed of the islands).
The azores have their own regional government within Portugal.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/07 23:48