heterochthonous

adjective

het·​er·​och·​tho·​nous

1

: not indigenous : foreign, naturalized

a heterochthonous flora

2

a

: not formed in the place where it now occurs : transported

heterochthonous rock

b

: removed from the original deposit (as by erosion) and reembedded (as certain fossils)

Word History

Etymology

heter- + -chthonous (as in autochthonous)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now