Adventitious
/ˌæd.vənˈtɪʃ.əs/noun
Occurring accidentally or unexpectedly; not inherent or essential.
Did you know?The term 'adventitious' originally described plants or organs that grow in unusual places, often linked to supernatural or mystical growth.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
adventitius
“Coming from outside; occurring by chance.”
14th Century
Middle English
adventicius
“Not native; foreign, accidental.”
16th Century
Latin
adventitius
“Accidental; arising from external causes.”
Modern English
English
adventitious
“Pertaining to unplanned or incidental occurrences.”