Xenic
/ˈzɛn.ɪk/noun
Relating to an environment containing foreign organisms or microorganisms.
Did you know?Xenic is built on Greek xenos, the same ancient root behind words for strangers, guests, and foreigners — a root that once meant both hospitality and danger.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
xénos (ξένος)
“stranger, guest, foreigner”
Modern Scientific Latin
Latin
xenicus
“foreign, alien, containing foreign organisms”
19th Century
English
xenic
“pertaining to the presence of foreign organisms in a culture”
Modern English
English
xenic
“relating to a culture containing foreign organisms”
Explore more surprising origins