1. relating to or dwelling in the underworld or beneath the earth
Usage: mythology; formal
2. relating to the earth or soil
Usage: formal; literary

Examples

• The ancient Greeks worshipped chthonic deities like Hades and Persephone.
• Chthonic forces were believed to control earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• The ritual involved offerings to chthonic spirits dwelling beneath the temple.
• Her poetry explored chthonic themes of death and rebirth.
• The cave paintings depicted chthonic creatures emerging from underground realms.
• Ancient cultures often associated chthonic powers with fertility and agriculture.