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Algonkian

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

noun

Algonkians plural
  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

In the 1970s and 1980s linguists applied glottochronological techniques to the Algonkian dictionaries compiled by early colonists.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

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