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Micronesian

Micronesian

1 6.9
A person from Micronesia or something relating to its people, language and culture
  • proper noun
  • /ˌmaɪkrəˈniːʒən/
translation icon : micronesio
  • The language spoken by Micronesians reflects their rich history and heritage.

Examples

  • Many traditional dances are performed by Micronesians during cultural festivals.

  • Micronesians as a whole remained here, however, for the same reasons most immigrants do: the chance at a better life.

    Blog text (1)
  • Because of this, Hawai'i must pay a lion's share for the benefits Micronesians receive under the terms of the compact.

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  • Micronesians see what has happened to Guam.

    Academic text (1995)
  • While it's common for any new immigrant group to suffer discrimination, Micronesians, who make up only 2 percent of the state's population, have endured more than their share.

    Blog text (1)
  • It costs a hefty $110 million annually to cover the estimated twenty thousand Micronesians in Hawai'i under the state's Med-QUEST health plan, which is available to all citizens and legal aliens.

    Blog text (1)
  • In Micronesia, Micronesians maintain unique customs that have been passed down for generations.

Compounds

Micronesian time
  • Offensive
9.9

A relaxed way of keeping time where being late is normal

Surface Forms

Morphology

Micronesian = Micronesia (transparent) = Micronesia + an

The adjective is a regular demonym formed from the place name 'Micronesia' with the productive suffix '-an', so its relation to the base is clear to learners.

Etymology

Micronesian comes from Greek parts micro- meaning 'small' and -nesia meaning 'island', the same ending you see in Polynesia and Melanesia. So Micronesian literally means someone or something from the 'small islands' of the Pacific, which is why it refers to people, language, or culture from Micronesia.