exotic
UK: ɪɡˈzɒtɪk | US: ɪɡˈzɑːtɪk
adj. originating from or characteristic of a distant foreign country
adj. strikingly unusual or strange in a way that is captivating
adj. (biology) not native to the ecosystem; introduced from elsewhere
exotic = ex<out> + otic<related to>
- ex (Latin ex-): "out of, from"
- otic (Greek-derived -otic): "related to" (often used in adjectives)
Etymology Origin:
The word "exotic" traces back to the Latin exoticus, borrowed from Greek exōtikos ("foreign," literally "from the outside"). The Greek root exō ("outside") combined with -tic (an adjectival suffix) originally described things physically outside one’s homeland. Over time, it expanded to denote anything foreign, unusual, or intriguingly unfamiliar, reflecting a cultural fascination with the "other."
The market sold exotic fruits like dragon fruit and durian.
She wore an exotic dress with vibrant patterns from Southeast Asia.
The zoo exhibits exotic animals from tropical rainforests.
His accent sounded exotic to the locals.
Invasive exotic species can disrupt native ecosystems.