as in indigenous
belonging to a particular place by birth or origin
an illegally introduced Asian fish that has virtually wiped out the lake's autochthonous species
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Recent Examples of autochthonous
In contrast, Ethiopian Jews (Beta Israel) and Indian Jews (Bene Israel and Cochini) cluster with neighbouring autochthonous populations in Ethiopia and western India, respectively, despite a clear paternal link between the Bene Israel and the Levant.
—
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2010
Alternatively, maybe the idea of coffee wasn't really autochthonous.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 Nov. 2013
Far from being autochthonous, folk music is often influenced by the music of cities and courts, the seeds spread by travelers, merchants, migrants, itinerant players, refugees.
—Evan Eisenberg, WSJ, 24 May 2018
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2010
Alternatively, maybe the idea of coffee wasn't really autochthonous.
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 Nov. 2013
Far from being autochthonous, folk music is often influenced by the music of cities and courts, the seeds spread by travelers, merchants, migrants, itinerant players, refugees.
—Evan Eisenberg, WSJ, 24 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for autochthonous
Adjective
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The Heritage Ranch, home to the San Dieguito Heritage Museum also located in Encinitas, preserves the history of the San Dieguito region—including its indigenous roots, early settlers, and agricultural heritage—through exhibits, educational programs, and community events.—
Dawn Giangiulio,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
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Each episode, directed by a local filmmaker, delves into their creative processes and addresses themes such as gender, ecology and indigenous knowledge, revealing the continent’s cultural and architectural richness.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The Verdict Lizard Island is rich with history (aboriginal and colonial) and is such an environmental wonder that researchers from around the world come here to study the reef.—
Christopher Cameron,
Robb Report,
30 May 2025
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The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that village dogs are also known as primitive, aboriginal, or landrace dogs.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Autochthonous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/autochthonous. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.
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