autochthonous meaning

UK US

autochthonous (adjective): of rocks, deposits, etc.; found where they and their constituents were formed.

autochthonous has 2 meanings in this dictionary.

autochthonous as an adjective

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

    Opposite: allochthonous

  2. originating where it is found
    • the autochthonal fauna of Australia includes the kangaroo
    • autochthonous rocks and people and folktales
    • endemic folkways
    • the Ainu are indigenous to the northernmost islands of Japan

    Synonyms: autochthonal, autochthonic, endemic, indigenous

    Similar: native

Word lists: words starting with AU · words ending in US · 13-letter words

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