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Algonkian

American  
[al-gong-kee-uhn] / ælˈgɒŋ ki ən /

noun

plural

Algonkians,

plural

Algonkian
  1. Geology. former name of the Proterozoic.

  2. Algonquian.


adjective

  1. Geology. formerly, Proterozoic.

  2. Algonquian.

Algonkian British  
/ ælˈɡɒŋkɪən /

noun

  1. an obsolete term for Proterozoic

  2. a variant of Algonquian

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Algonkian

First recorded in 1805–10 Algonkian for defs. 1, 3; 1885–90 Algonkian for defs. 2, 4

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Youghiogheny River is the only Western Maryland river that doesn’t flow south — hence, its Algonkian name meaning “stream flowing in a contrary direction.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 19, 2022

They grew up playing in the Algonkian Lacrosse Club while aspiring to transform the Titans into a state contender.

From Washington Post • Jun. 11, 2022

Virginia resident who has been a Democratic Loudoun County supervisor since 2019, representing the Algonkian District.

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2020

Virginia resident who has been a Democratic Loudoun County supervisor since 2019, representing the Algonkian District.

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2020

If so, the adoption of Algonkian in the Northeast would mark an era of spiritual ferment and heady conversion, much like the time when Islam rose and spread Arabic throughout the Middle East.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann