Quetzaliztli
/ket͡saˈlistɬi/noun
A Nahuatl word form built from quetzalli, referring to the precious green quetzal feather or something adorned with it.
Did you know?In Nahuatl, quetzalli was associated with the precious tail feathers of the quetzal bird, prized so highly that featherwork became a sacred, elite art of empire.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Nahuan
PN
*ketzali / *ketzalli
“A precious long tail feather, especially the green quetzal feather”
Classical Nahuatl
Nahuatl
quetzalli
“A valuable green feather; something prized for beauty and brilliance”
Classical Nahuatl
Nahuatl
quetzaliztli
“A form built from quetzalli, referring to something feathered or adorned with quetzal feathers”
Modern English
English
quetzal
“A Central American bird known for its brilliant green plumage”
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