Araucanian, ah'row kah'ne an, a native race living in the southern part of Chile. They are warlike and more civilized than many of the native races of South America, and maintained almost unceasing war with the Spaniards from 1537 to 1773, when their independence was recognized by Spain, though their territory was much curtailed. In 1882 they submitted to Chile. The Chilean province of Arauco receives its name from them.