exogenous

adjective ex·og·e·nous \ek-ˈsä-jə-nəs\

Definition of EXOGENOUS

: produced by growth from superficial tissue <exogenous roots produced by leaves>

a : caused by factors (as food or a traumatic factor) or an agent (as a disease-producing organism) from outside the organism or system <exogenous obesity> <exogenous psychic depression> <exogenous market fluctuations>

b : introduced from or produced outside the organism or system; specifically : not synthesized within the organism or system

— ex·og·e·nous·ly adverb

Origin of EXOGENOUS

French exogène exogenous, from exo- + -gène (from Greek -genēs born) — more at -gen

First Known Use: 1830

Other Microbiology Terms

pathogen, salmonella, tetanus

Rhymes with EXOGENOUS

androgynous, autogenous, endogenous, erogenous, homogenous, hydrogenous, monogynous, nitrogenous

Medical Dictionary

exogenous

adjective ex·og·e·nous \ek-ˈsäj-ə-nəs\

Medical Definition of EXOGENOUS

: growing from or on the outside <exogenous spores>

: caused by factors (as food or a traumatic factor) or an agent (as a disease-producing organism) from outside the organism or system <exogenous obesity> <exogenous psychic depression>

: introduced from or produced outside the organism or system; specifically : not synthesized within the organism or system—compare endogenous

—ex·og·e·nous·ly adverb