autochthon

[aw-tohk-thon, -tn]

autochthon Definition

  • 1an aboriginal inhabitant of a country, as opposed to an alien or foreigner
  • 2a person or thing that is native or indigenous to a particular place

Using autochthon: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "autochthon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The autochthonous people of Australia are the Aboriginals.

  • Example

    The autochthonous flora and fauna of the region are under threat from invasive species.

  • Example

    The autochthonous culture of the island has been preserved for centuries.

autochthon Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for autochthon

Phrases with autochthon

  • the rights of indigenous peoples to their land, resources, and cultural heritage

    Example

    The government recognized the importance of autochthonous rights and worked to protect them.

  • a language that is native or indigenous to a particular place

    Example

    The autochthonous language of the region is in danger of disappearing due to lack of use.

  • autochthonous species

    a species that is native or indigenous to a particular place

    Example

    The autochthonous species of fish in the river are threatened by pollution and overfishing.

Origins of autochthon

from Greek 'autokhthṓn', meaning 'aboriginal, native'

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Summary: autochthon in Brief

'Autochthon' [aw-tohk-thon, -tn] refers to an aboriginal inhabitant of a country or a person or thing that is native or indigenous to a particular place. It is often used to describe the people, flora, fauna, and culture of a region, as in 'The autochthonous people of Australia are the Aboriginals.' Other examples include 'autochthonous rights,' which refers to the rights of indigenous peoples to their land, resources, and cultural heritage, and 'autochthonous species,' which refers to a species that is native or indigenous to a particular place.