indigenous Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite originating where it is found
    autochthonal; autochthonous; endemic; autochthonic.
    • the autochthonal fauna of Australia includes the kangaroo
    • autochthonous rocks and people and folktales
    • endemic folkways
    • the Ainu are indigenous to the northernmost islands of Japan

WordNet

In*dig"e*nous adjective
Etymology
L. indigenus, indigena, fr. OL. indu (fr. in in) + the root of L. gignere to beget, bear. See In, and Gender.
Definitions
  1. Native; produced, growing, or living, naturally in a country or climate; not exotic; not imported.
    Negroes were all transported from Africa and are not indigenous or proper natives of America. Sir T. Browne.
    In America, cotton, being indigenous, is cheap. Lion Playas.
  2. Native; inherent; innate.
    Joy and hope are emotions indigenous to the human mind. I. Taylor.

Webster 1913