autochthonous

[ aw-tok-thuh-nuhs ]

adjective

1. Ecology. pertaining to autochthons; aboriginal; indigenous ( heterochthonous ).
2. Pathology.
   1. found in the part of the body in which it originates, as a cancerous lesion.
   2. found in a locality in which it originates, as an infectious disease.
3. Psychology. of or relating to ideas that arise independently of the individual's own train of thought and seem instead to have some alien or external agency as their source.
4. Geology. (of rocks, minerals, etc.) formed in the region where found. Compare allochthonous.

autochthonous

/ ˌɔːtɒkˈθɒnɪk; ɔːˈtɒkθənəs /

adjective

1. (of rocks, deposits, etc) found where they and their constituents were formed Compare allochthonous
2. inhabiting a place or region from earliest known times; aboriginal
3. physiol (of some functions, such as heartbeat) originating within an organ rather than from external stimulation

Derived Forms

• auˈtochthonously, adverb
• auˈtochthonism, noun

Other Words From

• au·tochtho·nism au·tochtho·ny noun
• au·tochtho·nous·ly adverb
• au·tochtho·nous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of autochthonous¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; autochthon + -ous

Example Sentences

Lipa posted a map that includes Albania, Kosovo and parts of neighbouring Balkan countries mainly inhabited by ethnic Albanians - and a definition of the word autochthonous.

From BBC

Orban also said that if immigration continues, "autochthonous Europeans" would become a minority and "terror will become part of life in large cities."

From Fox News

Orban said that if immigration continues, “autochthonous Europeans” would become a minority and “terror will become part of life in large cities.”

From Seattle Times

Florida first had dengue autochthonous transmission in 2009–10, with the Department of Health tallying a total of 88 cases “associated with Key West,” the southernmost part of the state.

From Science Magazine

He also grows about 30 other vegetables or herbs for Mr. Alija, from the autochthonous to the exotic.

From New York Times