autochthon

au·toch·thon

noun \ȯ-ˈtäk-thən\

plural au·toch·thons or au·toch·tho·nes\-thə-ˌnēz\

Definition of AUTOCHTHON

: one (as a person, plant, or animal) that is autochthonous

Examples of AUTOCHTHON

1. <descendants of the island's earliest settlers regard themselves as a sort of aristocracy of autochthons, with all others being brash interlopers>

Origin of AUTOCHTHON

Greek autochthōn, from aut- + chthōn earth — more at humble

First Known Use: 1590

Related to AUTOCHTHON

Synonyms: aboriginal, aborigine, indigene (also indigen), native

Antonyms: nonnative

Related Words: primitive

Near Antonyms: alien, foreigner

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