Cortez

/kɔrˈtɛz/ noun

Definition

A proper name, most famously referring to the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés who conquered the Aztec Empire.

Etymology

Spanish surname derived from 'corte' meaning 'court,' suggesting an ancestor associated with a royal court. The name became legendary through explorer Hernán Cortés's 16th-century expeditions to Mexico.

Kelly Says

Cortés famously ordered his ships burned so his soldiers couldn't retreat—whether this actually happened is debated by historians, but the legend shows how a dramatic (probably false) story can define someone's entire reputation for 500 years!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.