Asiatic

adjective

Asi·​at·​ic ˌā-zhē-ˈa-tik 

-zē-

sometimes offensive

: asian

Asiatic noun sometimes offensive

Asian vs. Asiatic: Usage Guide

Asian is now solidly preferred to Asiatic; the latter persists mainly in the names of some kinds of flora and fauna.

an Asiatic lily

the Asiatic elephant

Asiatic still has some use as a geographical designator

the Asiatic side of the Bosporus

but has increasingly been considered offensive, especially as associated with the policies of colonialism.

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Asiatic

• Afro-Asiatic
• Asiatic cholera
• Asiatic elephant

Kids Definition

Asiatic

adjective

Asi·​at·​ic ˌā-zhē-ˈat-ik 

-zē-

sometimes offensive

: asian

Asiatic noun sometimes offensive