Extraterrestrial: meaning, definitions and examples

👽
Add to dictionary

extraterrestrial

 

[ ˌek.strə.təˈres.tri.əl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

related to beings or phenomena beyond the earth's atmosphere

Relating to or characteristic of entities or phenomena originating from outside the earth or its atmosphere.

Synonyms

alien, cosmic, outer space

Examples of usage

  • Scientists are searching for evidence of extraterrestrial life.
  • The concept of extraterrestrial civilizations has fascinated people for centuries.
Context #2 | Noun

a being from beyond the earth's atmosphere

A hypothetical or fictional being from outer space; an alien.

Synonyms

ET, alien, space creature

Examples of usage

  • The movie features an extraterrestrial who lands on Earth.
  • Many science fiction stories involve encounters with extraterrestrials.

Translations

Translations of the word "extraterrestrial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extraterrestre

🇮🇳 अतिरिक्तस्थलीय

🇩🇪 außerirdisch

🇮🇩 luar angkasa

🇺🇦 позаземний

🇵🇱 pozaziemski

🇯🇵 地球外

🇫🇷 extraterrestre

🇪🇸 extraterrestre

🇹🇷 dünya dışı

🇰🇷 외계의

🇸🇦 خارج الأرض

🇨🇿 mimozemský

🇸🇰 mimozemský

🇨🇳 外星的

🇸🇮 nezemeljski

🇮🇸 geimvera

🇰🇿 жерден тыс

🇬🇪 უცხოპლანეტელი

🇦🇿 yerdənkənar

🇲🇽 extraterrestre

Etymology

The word 'extraterrestrial' originated in the mid-20th century. It is formed from the Latin prefix 'extra-' meaning 'outside' and the word 'terrestrial' meaning 'of or relating to the earth'. The concept of extraterrestrial beings has been a subject of speculation and fascination for centuries, with many works of fiction exploring the idea of life beyond our planet.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,394, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.