I. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷|dent ə l adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin occidentalis, from occident-, occidens + -alis -al
1. often capitalized : of, relating to, or situated in the Occident : western — compare oriental
2.
a. often capitalized : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of Occidentals
occidental culture
occidental art
b. : of, relating to, or characteristic of the western U.S.
the occidental plane tree
3. : of inferior grade, luster, or value
occidental agate
— compare oriental 2a
• oc·ci·den·tal·ly - ə lē, -i adverb
II. noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
: a member of one of the indigenous peoples of the Occident
the Occidental regards much oriental and primitive music as mere noise — Thomas Munro