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adventitious Definition

ad·ven·ti·tious (ad′ven tis̸h′əs, -vən-)

adjective

  1. added from outside; not inherent; accidental
  2. occurring in unusual or abnormal places adventitious roots growing on a stem

Etymology: L adventicius, coming from abroad: see Advent

adventitious Related Forms

ad′·ven·ti′·tiously adverb ad′·ven·ti′·tious·ness noun

adventitious Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • presence: A system for checking for adventitious presence had also not yet been developed.
  • contamination: Steps should also be taken to keep the level of adventitious contamination in non-GM supplies to a minimum.
  • bud: These lateral roots develop adventitious buds which grow in the spring.
  • root: Adventitious root A root that grows in a place where you would not expect roots to grow.
  • aid: Lastly, came the second attempt which ended so tragically but in which men, with no adventitious aid, climbed to 28,100 feet.
  • cannot: The proposal also acknowledges that adventitious contamination cannot be totally avoided.