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Aryan

adjective
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Ary·​an | \ ˈa-rē-ən How to pronounce Aryan (audio) , ˈer-ē-; ˈär-yən How to pronounce Aryan (audio) \

Definition of Aryan

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : indo-european
2a : of or relating to a hypothetical ethnic type illustrated by or descended from early speakers of Indo-European languages
b : nordic
c —used in Nazism to designate a supposed master race of non-Jewish Caucasians usually having Nordic features
3 : of or relating to Indo-Iranian or its speakers

Aryan

noun

Definition of Aryan (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : indo-european
2a : nordic
b : gentile

First Known Use of Aryan

Adjective

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for Aryan

Adjective

Sanskrit ārya noble, belonging to an ancient people of northern India speaking an Indo-European dialect

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Arya

Aryan

Aryanism

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Cite this Entry

“Aryan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aryan. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.

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