actriz

Actriz is a noun in Spanish used to refer to a woman who acts in theater, film, television, or other performing arts. It is the feminine form of actor. The corresponding plural forms are actrices (feminine) and actores (masculine).

Usage and nuance: Actriz is the standard term for a female performer. In some contexts, especially when aiming for gender-neutral language, the masculine form actor may be used as a generic form, or writers may seek inclusive phrasing.

Etymology: The word derives from the masculine actor and shows influence from French actrice and the Latin actrix in its historical development.

Specific terms: Phrases include la actriz principal for the leading actress and la actriz de reparto for the supporting actress.

Cross-language note: In Portuguese, the equivalent feminine term is atriz. Other Romance languages have similar feminine forms for the corresponding male profession nouns.