AUTOCHTHONOUS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does autochthonous mean? 

• AUTOCHTHONOUS (adjective)
  The adjective AUTOCHTHONOUS has 2 senses:

1. of rocks, deposits, etc.; found where they and their constituents were formed

2. originating where it is found

  Familiarity information: AUTOCHTHONOUS used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AUTOCHTHONOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of rocks, deposits, etc.; found where they and their constituents were formed

Antonym:

allochthonous (of rocks, deposits, etc.; found in a place other than where they and their constituents were formed)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Originating where it is found

Synonyms:

autochthonal; autochthonic; autochthonous; endemic; indigenous

Context example:

the Ainu are indigenous to the northernmost islands of Japan

Similar:

native (characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin)