Exogenetic

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌɛk.soʊ.d͡ʒəˈnɛt.ɪk/

Definitions

1. Relating to events or characteristics that stem from external sources rather than from within an organism or system
2. Describing effects or changes that are induced by influences from the outside environment instead of internal mechanisms
3. Referring to processes or characteristics that originate from external factors rather than internal ones in a system or organism

Etymology: Exogenetic is a plain technical formation: "exo-", from Greek "exo" meaning "outside", joined to "genetic". The result describes something that arises from outside a system rather than from within it, and the word is used mainly in medicine and biology, where it contrasts with endogenetic processes that originate internally. The "genetic" part comes from Greek "genetikos", relating to birth or origin, from "genesis". So the whole word literally means "generated from outside". Its meaning is therefore transparent once the two parts are known: a disease, substance or influence that comes from an external source rather than developing within the body or organism.