chthonian

[thoh-nee-uh n] /ˈθoʊ ni ən/

adjective, Classical Mythology

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)

Examples from the web for chthonic

All these elements betoken the rites owed to a chthonic deity.

British Dictionary definitions for chthonic

chthonian

/ˈθəʊnɪən/

adjective

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 chthonic

adj.

1882, with suffix -ic, from Greek khthonios "of the earth, in the earth," from khthon "the earth, solid surface of the earth" (mostly poetic) from PIE root *dhghem- (cf. Greek khamai "on the ground," first element in chameleon; also Latin humus "earth, soil," humilis "low;" Lithuanian žeme, Old Church Slavonic zemlja "earth;" Sanskrit ksam- "earth" (opposed to "sky"); Old Irish du, genitive don "place," earlier "earth").

chthonian

adj.

1804, from Latinized form of Greek khthonios (see chthonic) + -an.