chthonian
[
thoh
-nee-
uh
n]
/ˈθoʊ ni ən/
adjective
,
Classical Mythology
1.
of or pertaining to the deities, spirits, and other beings dwelling under the earth.
Also,
chthonic
[
thon
-ik]
/ˈθɒn ɪk/
(
Show IPA
)
.
Origin
1840-50;
<
Greek
chthóni
(
os
) (
chthon-,
stem of
chthṓn
earth +
-ios
adj. suffix) +
-an
; akin to
Latin
humus
earth (see
humus
)
British Dictionary definitions for
chthonian
chthonian
/
ˈθəʊnɪən
/
adjective
1.
of or relating to the underworld
Word Origin
C19: from Greek
khthonios
in or under the earth, from
khthōn
earth
Word Origin and History for
chthonian
adj.
1804, from Latinized form of Greek
khthonios
(see
chthonic
) +
-an
.