extrinsic
[ik-strin-sik, -zik]
- 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.
Show More
Also Archaic, ex·trin·si·cal.
Origin of extrinsic
1535–45; < Late Latin extrinsecus outward, adj. use of Latin extrinsecus (adv.) on the outward side, equivalent to extrim- (ext(e)r outer (see exterior) + -im adv. suffix) + secus beside (derivative of sequī to follow)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for extrinsic
Contemporary Examples
All seamlessly addressed—not as extrinsic concerns but as inevitable elements of the larger story.
‘Broadchurch’ Is Great TV for Fans of ‘Downton Abbey,’ ‘Doctor Who,’ and ‘Prime Suspect’Andrew Romano
August 7, 2013
Extrinsic motivation is about external rewards—money, position, recognition.
Historical Examples
As in other minerals, value has both its intrinsic and extrinsic elements.
The Economic Aspect of GeologyC. K. Leith
I've neither fortune, nor fame, nor extrinsic advantages of any kind.
The Portrait of a LadyHenry James
It brings in the extrinsic consideration of social consequences.
Distributive JusticeJohn A. (John Augustine) Ryan
There are some extrinsic facts which hitherto unknown should be noted.
The Mystery of the Pinckney DraughtCharles C. Nott
Nor has it any solid support from tradition or extrinsic authority.
extrinsic
- not contained or included within; extraneous
- originating or acting from outside; external
Show More
Word Origin
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
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for extrinsic
adj.
1540s, from French extrinsèque, from Late Latin extrinsecus (adj.), from Latin extrinsecus (adv.) "outwardly," from exter "outside" + in, suffix of locality, + secus "beside, alongside," originally "following" (related to sequi "to follow;" see sequel).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
extrinsic
(ĭk-strĭn′sĭk, -zĭk)- 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.
Show More
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.