Burakumin

[ boor-uh-koo-min ]

plural noun

1. (in Japan) the members of a large social minority who have traditionally been considered outcasts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Burakumin¹

1965–70; < Japanese, equivalent to buraku settlement, ghetto (< Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese bùlùo (or bùlào ) settlement, village) + -min people (< Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese mín )