Asiatic
/ˌeɪʒɪˈatɪk
/ /ˌeɪʃɪˈatɪk /adjective
Relating to or deriving from Asia: Asiatic coastal regions...
- The arrival of Asiatic cholera in Europe in 1830, against which quarantines proved singularly ineffective, heralded the demise of the system.
- Though often pricier than Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies have such impact in the vase that just a stem or two go a long way!
- The bamboo, apparently with some genetic memory of its roots in steamy Asiatic climes, was spreading ferociously, its roots stealthily undermining surrounding shrubs and sending up a multitude of shoots in their midst.
noun offensive
An Asian person.
Usage
The standard and accepted term when referring to individual people is Asian rather than Asiatic, which can be offensive. However, Asiatic is standard in scientific and technical use, for example in biological and anthropological classifications.
Origin
Via Latin Asiaticus from Greek Asiatikos, from Asia (see Asia).