Semite, n. & adj. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary

Semite, n. & adj. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English Dictionary: Semite, n. & adj. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Originally: a member of any of the peoples mentioned in Genesis 10:21–31 as descended from Shem, one of the sons of Noah, traditionally interpreted as including the Hebrews, Aramaeans, Assyrians, and Arabs. Subsequently also: a member of any of the peoples who speak or spoke a Semitic language.