extrinsic
[ ik-strin-sik, -zik ]
/ ɪkˈstrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /
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.
Nearby words
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)
Related forms
Can be confused
extraneous external extrinsic internal intrinsicDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for extrinsic
British Dictionary definitions for extrinsic
extrinsic
/ (ɛkˈstrɪnsɪk) /
adjective
not contained or included within; extraneous
originating or acting from outside; external
Derived Forms
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
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Medicine 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.
Related forms
ex•trin′si•cal•ly adv.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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