autochthon
noun
au·toch·thon ȯ-ˈtäk-thən 
plural autochthons or autochthones ȯ-ˈtäk-thə-ˌnēz
: one (such as a person, plant, or animal) that is autochthonous
Synonyms
- aboriginal
- aborigine
- indigene
- indigen
- native
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
the remains of a settlement once occupied by the island's autochthons are much older than previously thought
Word History
Etymology
Greek autochthōn, from aut- + chthōn earth — more at humble
First Known Use
circa 1538, in the meaning defined above
autochthon
noun
as in aboriginal
a member of the first people to inhabit a region the remains of a settlement once occupied by the island's autochthons are much older than previously thought Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- aboriginal
- aborigine
- native
- indigene
- indigen
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- alien
- nonnative
- foreigner