Autochthonous: meaning, definitions and examples

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autochthonous

 

[ ɔːˈtɒkθənəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

biology

Native to or characteristic of a particular place, region, or environment.

Synonyms

endemic, indigenous, native

Examples of usage

  • The autochthonous flora of the island includes many rare and endangered species.
  • The autochthonous population of the region has unique cultural traditions.
Context #2 | Adjective

geology

Formed or originating in the place where found.

Synonyms

in-situ, local, original

Examples of usage

  • The autochthonous rocks of the region date back millions of years.
  • The autochthonous minerals are a key feature of the landscape.

Translations

Translations of the word "autochthonous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 autóctone

🇮🇳 स्वदेशीय

🇩🇪 einheimisch

🇮🇩 asli

🇺🇦 автохтонний

🇵🇱 autochtoniczny

🇯🇵 土着

🇫🇷 autochtone

🇪🇸 autóctono

🇹🇷 yerli

🇰🇷 토착의

🇸🇦 محلي

🇨🇿 autochtonní

🇸🇰 autochtonný

🇨🇳 本土的

🇸🇮 avtohtoni

🇮🇸 upprunalegur

🇰🇿 автохтонды

🇬🇪 ავტოქტონი

🇦🇿 avtoxton

🇲🇽 autóctono

Etymology

The word 'autochthonous' comes from the Greek words 'auto-' (self) and 'chthōn' (earth). It was first used in English in the mid-17th century to describe things that are native or indigenous to a particular place. Over time, the term has been commonly used in various scientific fields to refer to organisms, rocks, or other elements that are original to a specific region.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,256, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.