aboriginal

aboriginal (ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪn^əl)

—*adj*
	existing in a place from the earliest known period; indigenous; autochthonous

abo'riginally

—*adv*

Aboriginal (ˌæbəˈrɪdʒɪn^əl)

—*adj*
1.	of, relating to, or characteristic of the indigenous peoples of Australia

—n
2.	another word for an Australian Aborigine

usage The Australian government suggests that the most exact and inclusive way of referring to the indigenous peoples of Australia is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Other terms which are acceptable are: Aboriginal people(s), Australian Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

aboriginal

1660s, "first, earliest," esp. in ref. to inhabitants of lands colonized by Europeans, from aborigines (see aborigine); specific Australian sense is from 1820. The noun is attested from 1767.

Example sentences from the web

Early history aboriginal people have lived throughout the area for thousands of years.

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aborigine Ainu Alfur American Aranda autochthon

Matching Quote

"John Eliot came to preach to the Podunks in 1657, translated the Bible into their language, but made little progress in aboriginal soul-saving. The Indians answered his pleas with: 'No, you have taken away our lands, and now you wish to make us a race of slaves.'"

-Administration for the State of Con