adjective Ecology. pertaining to autochthons; aboriginal; indigenous (heterochthonous). Pathology. found in the part of the body in which it originates, as a cancerous lesion. found in a locality in which it originates, as an infectious disease.

Native to the place where found; indigenous. (biology, medicine) Originating where found; found where it originates. (geology) Buried in place, especially of a fossil preserved in its life position without disturbance or disarticulation.

autochthonous native; indigenous; aboriginal; springing from the soil or land; related to the original primitive inhabitants; not changed by man. May also refer to microorganisms and/or substances indigenous to a given Ecosystem.

Originating or formed in the place where found; indigenous: autochthonous rocks; an autochthonous people; autochthonous folk tales. See Synonyms at native. 2. Ecology Native to or produced within a system: an autochthonous species; algae that provide an autochthonous source of nutrients in a lake.