Abitibi

English

Etymology

From Algonquin, akin to Kickapoo and Fox, abi'ta-bi-g (“halfway across water”), from abi'ta (“halfway”) + bi (“water”).

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA: /ˌæb.əˈtɪ.bi/, /ˌæb.əˈtɪ.bɪ/

Proper noun

Abitibi

1. A geographic region in Quebec within Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
2. (ethnography, Canada) An Algonkian people of Ontario.

Noun

Abitibi (plural Abitibi or Abitibis)

1. (ethnography) A member of the Abitibi people.

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French

Proper noun

Abitibi

1. Abitibi

Usage notes

• The exact geographical extant of the region has varied a lot over time. Originally it referred to the drainage basin of southern James Bay rivers (an area now mostly part of Jamésie). As time evolved the name was applied to specific administrative or electoral entities. Modern Abitibi encompasses primarily the regional county municipalities that formerly composed Abitibi County: Abitibi, Abitibi Ouest and La-Vallée-de-l'Or.

Derived terms

• abitibien
• Abitibien