authigenous
|au-thi-ge-nous|
/ɔːˈθɪdʒənəs/
born/formed in place
Etymology
'authigenous' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'authigenēs', where 'autho-/aut(o)-' (from 'autos') meant 'self' and 'genēs' meant 'born'.
'authigenous' changed from Neo-Latin/Modern Latin formation 'authigenus' (modeled on Greek) and the earlier Greek 'authigenēs', and eventually entered English as 'authigenous'.
Initially it meant 'born of the place' in the literal sense; over time the meaning broadened to the current senses 'originating in the place where found' and (in geology) 'formed in situ'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
originating or produced in the place where found; indigenous or native to the locality (not introduced).
The authigenous plants on the island reflect a long period of isolated evolution.
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Adjective 2
in geology and sedimentology, formed in place within the host rock or sediment (synonymous with 'authigenic').
Authigenous clay minerals developed during diagenesis of the sedimentary layer.
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Last updated: 2025/11/23 03:02