Australoid is a term used to describe a group of people who are indigenous to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Southeast Asia. The term is also used to describe physical characteristics that are commonly found in these populations. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Australoid, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage in sentences.
Definitions
The term Australoid is derived from the words “Australia” and “oid,” which means “resembling.” Therefore, Australoid refers to people who resemble the indigenous people of Australia. The term is often used to describe the physical characteristics of these populations, such as dark skin, curly hair, and broad noses.
Origin
The Australoid population is believed to be one of the oldest human populations in the world. They are thought to have originated in Africa and migrated to Australia and Southeast Asia over 50,000 years ago. The exact origin of the Australoid population is still a subject of debate among scientists.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Australoid is defined as “relating to or denoting a group of peoples indigenous to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Southeast Asia, typically characterized by dark skin, curly hair, and broad noses.”
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Australoid as “a member of a group of peoples indigenous to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Southeast Asia characterized by dark skin, curly hair, and broad noses.”
Associations
The term Australoid is often associated with the indigenous people of Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is also associated with physical characteristics such as dark skin, curly hair, and broad noses. However, the term is sometimes used in a derogatory manner to describe people who are perceived to be inferior or primitive.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of Australoid include:
- Aboriginal.
- Papuan.
- Melanesian.
- Negrito.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of Australoid include:
- Caucasian.
- Mongoloid.
- African.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as Australoid include:
- Australasia.
- Australopithecus.
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of how Australoid can be used in sentences:
- The indigenous people of Australia and Papua New Guinea are often referred to as Australoids.
- The Australoid population is believed to have migrated to Australia over 50,000 years ago.
- The physical characteristics of Australoids, such as dark skin and curly hair, are adaptations to their environment.
- Some people use the term Australoid in a derogatory manner to describe people who are perceived to be inferior or primitive.