autochthon

noun

au·toch·thon ȯ-ˈtäk-thən

plural autochthons or autochthones ȯ-ˈtäk-thə-ˌnēz

Synonyms of autochthon next

: 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

See more words from the same year