adj. & n.
--adj.
1. a (of a social group) having a common national or cultural tradition. b (of clothes etc.) resembling those of a non-European exotic people.
2 denoting origin by birth or descent rather than nationality (ethnic Turks).
3 relating to race or culture (ethnic group; ethnic origins).
4 archaic pagan, heathen.
--n.
1. US a member of an (esp. minority) ethnic group.
2 (in pl., usu. treated as sing.) ETHNOLOGY.
Phrases and idioms:
ethnic minority a (usu. identifiable) group differentiated from the main population of a community by racial origin or cultural background.
Derivatives:
ethnically adv. ethnicity n.
Etymology: ME f. eccl.L ethnicus f. Gk ethnikos heathen f. ethnos nation