barbarian

views updated May 29 2018

bar·bar·i·an / bärˈbe(ə)rēən/ • n. (in ancient times) a member of a community or tribe not belonging to one of the great civilizations (Greek, Roman, Christian). ∎  an uncultured or brutish person.• adj. of or relating to ancient barbarians: barbarian invasions barbarian peoples. ∎  uncultured; brutish.