extrinsic
[ ik-strin-sik, -zik ]
/ ɪkˈstrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /
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adjective
not essential or inherent; not a basic part or quality; extraneous: facts that are extrinsic to the matter under discussion.
being outside a thing; outward or external; operating or coming from without: extrinsic influences.
Anatomy. (of certain muscles, nerves, etc.) originating outside the anatomical limits of a part.
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Also Archaic, ex·trin·si·cal .
Origin of extrinsic
First recorded in 1535–45; from Late Latin extrinsecus “outward,” adjective use of Latin extrinsecus (adverb) “on the outward side,” equivalent to extrim- (ext(e)r “outer” (see exterior) + -im adverb suffix) + secus “beside” (derivative of sequī “to follow”)
OTHER WORDS FROM extrinsic
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH extrinsic
extraneous, external, extrinsicWords nearby extrinsic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use extrinsic in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for extrinsic
extrinsic
/ (ɛkˈstrɪnsɪk) /
adjective
not contained or included within; extraneous
originating or acting from outside; external
Derived forms of extrinsic
extrinsically, adverbWord Origin for extrinsic
C16: from Late Latin extrinsecus (adj) outward, from Latin (adv) from without, on the outward side, from exter outward + secus alongside, related to sequī to follow
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medical definitions for extrinsic
extrinsic
[ ĭk-strĭn′sĭk, -zĭk ]
adj.
Of or relating to an organ or structure, especially a muscle, originating outside of the part where it is found or upon which it acts; adventitious.
Other words from extrinsic
ex•trin′si•cal•ly adv.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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