I. ˈeth-nik adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin ethnicus, from Greek ethnikos national, gentile, from ethnos nation, people; akin to Greek ēthos custom — more at sib
Date: 15th century
1. : heathen
2.
a. : of or relating to large groups of people classed according to common racial, national, tribal, religious, linguistic, or cultural origin or background
ethnic minorities
ethnic enclaves
b. : being a member of a specified ethnic group
an ethnic German
c. : of, relating to, or characteristic of ethnics
ethnic neighborhoods
ethnic foods
II. noun
Date: 1941
: a member of an ethnic group ; especially : a member of a minority group who retains the customs, language, or social views of the group