nonnative

American  

[non-ney-tiv] / ˌnɒnˈneɪ tɪv /

adjective

1. of or relating to a language that is not the first language acquired by a person.

   It is harder to communicate in your nonnative language.

2. of or relating to a person communicating in a nonnative language.

   a nonnative speaker of English.

3. Biology. of or relating to a plant or animal that is not indigenous to a region.

   The proliferation of nonnative plants is choking out the local flora.

4. Digital Technology. of or relating to software that was not originally designed for the platform on which it is running.

   nonnative user interfaces;

   nonnative apps.

---

Etymology

Origin of nonnative

First recorded in 1850–60; non- ( def. ) + native ( def. )

Example Sentences

This month, the California Island Conservancy announced a plan to rid the landscape of its entire nonnative deer population using contracted hunters, saying the animals increase the risk of wildfire.

From Los Angeles Times

Livestock not native to the desert have grazed and trampled the plants tortoises like to eat, spreading unpalatable nonnative grasses in their wake.

From Los Angeles Times

"Successful detection and monitoring programs for invasive wildlife hinge on rapid detection and accurate identification of nonnative species," said Miller.

From Science Daily

Their woes have also been compounded by disease and predation by nonnative trout.

From Los Angeles Times

Others blame the nonnative trees for lifting sidewalks and clogging sewer lines with their roots, or are willing to sacrifice the trees to break ground on a project they believe will bring economic vitality.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alien
• different
• external
• offshore
• overseas
• unfamiliar