Bactrian

1 of 2

noun

Bac·​tri·​an ˈbak-trē-ən 

plural -s

1

: one of an ancient Iranian people located between the Hindu Kush and the Oxus

2

: the language of the Bactrians

Bactrian

2 of 2

adjective

Bac·​tri·​an ˈbak-trē-ən 

: of or relating to Bactria, a satrapy of ancient Persia

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin Bactrianus, adjective & n, from Greek Baktrianos, from Baktria Bactria, ancient country of southwestern Asia + Greek -anos -an

Adjective

Latin Bactrianus

First Known Use

Noun

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1584, in the meaning defined above

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