allochthon

noun

al·​loch·​thon
əˈläkthən,
aˈ-,
-ˌthän
variants or allochthone
-ˌthōn
plural -s
: an overthrust block of rocks that have been moved along a fault for a great distance from their place of origin

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from allochthonous

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allochthon was in 1931

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Dictionary Entries Near allochthon

Cite this Entry

“Allochthon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allochthon. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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