Cortes

[ kawr-tiz; Spanish kawr-tes ]

/ ˈkɔr tɪz; Spanish ˈkɔr tɛs /

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noun

(in Spain or Portugal) the two houses constituting the national legislative body.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Cortes

1660–70; <Spanish, plural of cortecourt

Other definitions for Cortes (2 of 2)

Cortés

or Cor·tez

[ kawr-tez; Spanish kawr-tes ]

/ kɔrˈtɛz; Spanish kɔrˈtɛs /

noun

Her·nan·do

[er-nahn-daw] /ɛrˈnɑn dɔ/ Her·nán

[er-nahn], /ɛrˈnɑn/, 1485–1547, Spanish conqueror of Mexico.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Cortes in a sentence

According to Cortes, immigrants lower the prices of products consumed by highly educated consumers by 0.4 percent of GDP.
The Case for More Low-Skill Immigration|Veronique de Rugy|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the telling insight of populist organizer Ernie Cortes, not only does power corrupt, but “powerlessness also corrupts.”
March on Washington Anniversary: a Lesson for Change|Hedrick Smith|August 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Just four weeks before the massive collapse of the mine, a mini-avalanche sliced off the left leg of worker Gino Cortes.
Chilean Miners Fight Their Demons|Jonathan Franklin|October 10, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Cortes says the two Tea Party positions are not mutually exclusive, and Meckler says he agrees, to a point.
The Tea Party Splinters|Patricia Murphy|July 2, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Update: Alex Cortes' quote was amended after initial publication.
The Tea Party Splinters|Patricia Murphy|July 2, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Meanwhile the more distant provinces had acknowledged the authority of the cortes, and had sworn to support the constitution.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
The recent law passed by the Spanish Cortes for the suppression of religious houses, has been strictly enforced here.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
Meantime, news of these transactions arrived at Rio, as well as notice of the decrees of the Cortes at Lisbon.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
The officers of the Lisbon troops talk loudly of his being obliged to do his duty, and obey the mandate of the Cortes.
Journal of a Voyage to Brazil|Maria Graham
The Cortes met on the 2nd of January, and continued in deliberation till the 22nd of April.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan

British Dictionary definitions for Cortes (1 of 2)

Cortes

/ (ˈkɔːtɛz, Spanish ˈkortes) /

noun

the national assembly of Spain and (until 1910) Portugal

Word Origin for Cortes

C17: from Spanish, literally: courts, plural of corte court, from Latin cohors cohort

British Dictionary definitions for Cortes (2 of 2)

Cortés

Cortez (kɔːˈtɛz)

/ (ˈkɔːtɛz, Spanish korˈtes) /

noun

Hernando (ɛrˈnando) or Hernán (ɛrˈnan). 1485–1547, Spanish conquistador: defeated the Aztecs and conquered Mexico (1523)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012