allochthonous

[ uh-lok-thuh-nuhs ]

adjective

, Geology.

1. not formed in the region where found. Compare autochthonous ( def 4 ).

allochthonous

/ əˈlɒkθənəs /

adjective

1. (of rocks, deposits, etc) found in a place other than where they or their constituents were formed Compare autochthonous

Word History and Origins

Origin of allochthonous¹

1910–15; allo- + -chthonous, modeled after autochthonous

Word History and Origins

Origin of allochthonous¹

C20: from Greek allokhthon, from allo- + khthōn (genitive khthonos ) earth