extrinsic, extraneous, foreign, alien mean external to a thing, its essential nature, or its original character. extrinsic applies to what is distinctly outside the thing in question or is not contained in or …

EXTRINSIC definition: not essential or inherent; not a basic part or quality; extraneous. See examples of extrinsic used in a sentence.

EXTRINSIC definition: 1. coming from outside, or not related to something: 2. coming from outside the body: 3…. Learn more.

Definition of extrinsic adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

not essential or inherent; not a basic part or quality; extraneous facts that are extrinsic to the matter under discussion

1. not essential or inherent; extraneous: extrinsic facts. 2. being, operating, or coming from without: extrinsic influences. 3. (of a muscle or nerve) originating outside the anatomical limits of a part.

There are ten meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective extrinsic, four of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.