adventitious

[ ad-vuh n-tish-uh s ]
/ ˌæd vənˈtɪʃ əs /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR adventitious ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

associated with something by chance rather than as an integral part; extrinsic.
Botany, Zoology. appearing in an abnormal or unusual position or place, as a root.

Origin of adventitious

1595–1605; < Latin adventīcius literally, coming from without, external, equivalent to ad- ad- + ven- (stem of venīre to come) + -t(us) past participle suffix + -īcius -itious

OTHER WORDS FROM adventitious

Words nearby adventitious

adventist, adventitia, adventitial, adventitial cell, adventitial neuritis, adventitious, adventitious cyst, adventitious root, adventive, adventure, adventure playground

Words related to adventitious

accidental, casual, extrinsic, foreign, fortuitous, nonessential

Example sentences from the Web for adventitious

British Dictionary definitions for adventitious

adventitious
/ (ˌædvɛnˈtɪʃəs) /

adjective

added or appearing accidentally or unexpectedly
(of a plant or animal part) developing in an abnormal position, as a root that grows from a stem

Derived forms of adventitious

adventitiously, adverb

Word Origin for adventitious

C17: from Latin adventīcius coming from outside, from adventus a coming

Medical definitions for adventitious

adventitious
[ ăd′vĕn-tĭsh′əs ]

adj.

Arising from an external source or occurring in an unusual place or manner; extrinsic.
Occurring accidentally or spontaneously, not caused by heredity.
Adventitial.