autochthon

noun

au·​toch·​thon ȯ-ˈtäk-thən How to pronounce autochthon (audio)
plural autochthons or autochthones ȯ-ˈtäk-thə-ˌnēz How to pronounce autochthon (audio)
: one (such as a person, plant, or animal) that is autochthonous

Examples of autochthon in a Sentence

the remains of a settlement once occupied by the island's autochthons are much older than previously thought

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin authochthon-, autochthōn "original inhabitant, native," borrowed from Greek autochthon-, autóchthōn "of the earth itself, indigenous," from auto- auto- + chthon-, chthṓn "ground, earth, earth as the abode of humans" — more at humble entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autochthon was circa 1538

Dictionary Entries Near autochthon

Cite this Entry

“Autochthon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autochthon. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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