[Ne.gro] n, pl Negroes [Sp or Pg, fr. negro black, fr. L nigr-, niger] (1555) 1: a member of the black race distinguished from members of other races by usu. inherited physical and physiological characteristics without regard to language or culture; esp: a member of a people belonging to the African branch of the black race--sometimes taken to be offensive
2: a person of Negro descent--sometimes taken to be offensive -- Negro adj -- Ne.gro.ness n