African-American
UK[ˌæfrɪkən əˈmerɪkən]US[ˌæfrɪkən əˈmɛrɪkən]
adj
Of or relating to Americans of African and especially Black African descent.
n
An American of African and especially Black African descent.
Morpheme Breakdown
African
American
African
sense
American
sense
Etymology
The term is a modern compound, formed in the 19th century by directly combining the established geographic demonyms "African" and "American." "African" derives from Latin Africa, the Roman province named for the Afri, a people of North Africa, a name of uncertain but likely Berber origin. "American" originates from the name of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. The compound's logic is transparent, denoting a dual heritage or identity: an American with ancestral roots in the African continent. Its usage evolved to specifically denote Black Americans descended from enslaved Africans, distinguishing this cultural and historical experience from other American ethnic groups.
Analysis
Structure: African (sense) + American (sense)
- African: From Latin Afrīcānus (of Africa, from Africa). In this compound, it functions as an adjective specifying origin or heritage.
- American: From Modern Latin Americānus (of America). In this compound, it functions as an adjective/noun specifying nationality or identity.
Examples
African-American culture has profoundly influenced American music, literature, and art.
The museum's new exhibit highlights the contributions of African-American inventors.
She is a prominent scholar in African-American studies.