extraterrestrial (adj.)

also extra-terrestrial, "occurring or originating outside the Earth," 1812, from extra- + terrestrial. As a noun from 1956.

Entries linking to extraterrestrial

extra-

word-forming element meaning "outside; beyond the scope of; in addition to what is usual or expected," in classical Latin recorded only in extraordinarius, but more used in Medieval Latin and modern formations; it represents Latin extra (adv.) "on the outside, without, except," the old fem. ablative singular of exterus "outward, outside," comparative of ex "out of" (see ex-).

terrestrial (adj.)

late 14c., "of or pertaining to the earth," with + -al (1) + from Latin terrestris "earthly, of the earth, on land," from terra "earth" (from PIE root *ters- "to dry"). Originally opposed to celestial; natural history sense of "living on land" is attested from 1630s. The noun meaning "a human being, a mortal" is recorded from 1590s.

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updated on September 20, 2018

Definitions of extraterrestrial from WordNet

extraterrestrial (n.)

a form of life assumed to exist outside the Earth or its atmosphere;

Synonyms: extraterrestrial being / alien

extraterrestrial (adj.)

originating or located or occurring outside Earth or its atmosphere;

is there extraterrestrial life?

From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near extraterrestrial

extrapolate

extrapolation

extrasensory

extra-special

extraspection

extraterrestrial

extraterritoriality

extravagance

extravagant

extravaganza

extravasation