Quetzalcoatl

American  

[ket-sahl-koh-aht-l] / kɛtˌsɑl koʊˈɑt l /

noun

1. the feathered serpent god of the Aztec and Toltec cultures.

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Quetzalcoatl British  

/ ˌkɛtsəlkəʊˈætəl /

noun

1. a god of the Aztecs and Toltecs, represented as a feathered serpent

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Quetzalcoatl Cultural  

1. An ancient nature god and legendary ruler of the Toltec people of Mexico, usually represented as a plumed serpent.

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Etymology

Origin of Quetzalcoatl

< Spanish Quetzalcóatl < Nahuatl Quetzalcōātl, equivalent to quetzal ( li ) ( see quetzal) + cōātl snake

Example Sentences

In his grief, Quetzalcoatl planted Mayahuel's remains, from which a maguey plant grew.

From Salon • Dec. 3, 2024

In Aztec mythology, Tezkatlipoka is the brother of Quetzalcoatl, Huitzilopochtli and Xipe Totec – all of whom appear to be invoked in the chant.

From Fox News • Sep. 29, 2021

It looked a little like Quetzalcoatl and a lot like a Muppet.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2021

“I bought a chain — a Quetzalcoatl dragon with opals in the eyes,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2020

And just like the story I’ve heard before, Quetzalcoatl is impressed with the rabbit’s willing sacrifice and generosity.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera