exotic

Pronunciation key ( ig-zot′ik )

ex•ot•ic

adj.

[L. exoticus; Gr. exōtikōs foreign, alien < exō coming from outside].

1. By nature belonging to another part of the world.
2. Imported. Introduced from abroad, but not fully naturalized or acclimated. Foreign origin, therefore
3. Having the charm of being unfamiliar, beautiful in a strange and enticing way. Unusual. Different.
4. From another part of the world. A product or thing that is foreign or imported.
5. Colloq. Strikingly colorful, unusual in effect and appearance.
6. Of or relating to striptease or performer.

n

1. A plant, animal, person, word or other organism that is not native.

See botany for Exotic plants. Cultivated plants which are native to foreign lands. Frequently this term applies to plants which require artificial heat and other special care, such as glass-enclosed forcing beds, which would not be necessary for indigenous plants.

—ex•ot′i•cal•ly adv. —ex•ot′i•cism n. —ex•ot′ic•ness n.

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

The World Book Encyclopedia ©1981

The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition ©1985

Further Reading

Exotically

Exoticism