Definition

A person, plant, or animal that is native to a particular place, often referring to the earliest inhabitants of that area.

Example

The autochthon of the region has a unique culture that reflects its long history.

Conversation

Did you know that the autochthon species in this area are really fascinating?

I had no idea! What makes them so interesting?

Well, they are the original inhabitants of the land, which is pretty cool.

That is cool! It's amazing to think about how long they've been here.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Autochthon is formed from "auto-" (meaning self) and "chthon" (from Greek "chthonios", meaning of the earth or ground). The word refers to someone or something that is native to a particular place, literally meaning 'self-born from the earth'.

Memory Tip

Think of 'self' ('auto-') and 'earth' ('chthon') to remember that an autochthon is someone who is native to the land.

Visually Confused Words