Oriental
/ˌɔːr.iˈɛn.təl/noun
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the East; now often considered dated or offensive when used for people.
Did you know?The same root behind *oriental* also gave English *orient* and *orientation*, because in medieval Latin the East was the direction used to “set” oneself by the rising sun.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
oriēns
“the rising sun; the East”
Late Latin
Latin
orientālis
“eastern; from the East”
Old French
Old French
oriental
“eastern, from the East”
14th Century
English
oriental
“eastern; situated in or from the East”
Modern English
English
oriental
“relating to the East; now often avoided for people in favor of more specific terms”
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