exogenous

Pronunciation key ( eks-oj′ə-nəs )

ex•og•e•nous

adj.

[Fr. exogène : exo- + gène born < Gk. -genēs].

1. Botany. With characteristics of an exogen. Of plants, as the dicotyledons) having stems which grow by the addition of an annual layer of wood to the outside beneath the bark or plants which have such stems. Characterized by the addition of layers of woody tissue.
2. Biochemistry. Denotes a nitrogenous substances formed by food metabolism in the body and normally excreted as waste products.
3. Physiol.. Denoting the metabolic assimilation of proteins in which the elimination of nitrogenous catabolites is in direct proportion to the amount of protein taken in.
4. Developing from without; external origination. Originating from the outside or caused by factors outside the organism. Having a cause which is external to the body of the organism in relation to disease.
5. Biology Development or growth from or on the outside. Derived or developed from external causes. Pertaining to an exogen or their method of growth.

Exogenous plants. Compare with Endogenous plants.

ex•og′e•nous•ly. adv.

References

The American College Dictionary (Random House) ©1949

Funk and Wagnalls Encyclopedia ©1950

Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language (College Edition) ©1955

Webster's Improved Dictionary and Everyday Encyclopedia ©1956

Funk and Wagnalls Standard Dictionary, Comprehensive International Edition ©1976

Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health ©1978

The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985

Further Reading

Exogen