xeno-, xen-, -xenic, -xenism, -xenist, -xenous, -xeny
(Greek: foreign, foreigner; alien; different; extraneous; strange, stranger; and by extension, guest)
The "x" in xeno- is pronounced "z"; "zeno". Greeks are said to have considered any stranger a "guest" and modern Greek includes xenodocheion a "guest house" or "house for guests" or its modern version of "hotel".
The etymological meaning usually denotes some aspect of a relationship involving guests or visitors of some kind.
An extinct fish of the genus Xenacanthus: Greg was so happy when he found some information regarding the xenacanth, which was cartilaginous and not living anymore.
xenacanthine (adjective) (not comparable)
Relating to the division of Xenancanthini: Xenacanthine fishes or fossils are those that have long been extinct.
1. An individual who escorts or leads people, usually visitors, through a specific area, like a city; a tour guide: Mrs. Evans was a great xenagogue who took the hikers on little trips in the mountains and explained all the interesting aspects of nature to them.
2. Etymology: from Greek, to lead, leading; bring, take; plus a “guest” or stranger.
2. Etymology: from Greek, to lead, leading; bring, take; plus a “guest” or stranger.
The name of a guide-book for foreigners; a sight-seeing book: The xenagogy that the visitors got at the travel agency included a street map, and was very helpful in explaining all the interesting and historical points in the city.
Rare, a severe distress of strangers: Little Sam's parents thought he had a case of xenapistia because he never wanted to go outside with his parents, like to go shopping or even to school, because he was absolutely frightened of people or other children he didn't know.
Rare, the implantation of foreign substances into tissues: In a very old book on medicine, Jill found the term xenembole in the glossary, and her professor said that this term wasn't used in modern medicine anymore.
1. The idea or notion of hospitality towards strangers: Mr. and Mrs. Smart were convinced of xenia, and that if foreigners were treated with kindness and friendliness, they would also be treated in the same way.
2. In botany, the effect that genes from pollen have on the endosperm: The result, like an increase of size, on the embryo of a plant can be a consequence of fertilization of a genetically different variation or variety and is known as xenia.
2. In botany, the effect that genes from pollen have on the endosperm: The result, like an increase of size, on the embryo of a plant can be a consequence of fertilization of a genetically different variation or variety and is known as xenia.
A dread of foreign doctors: The xeniaphobia is not caused so much because of their inadequate medical skills but more from their insufficient knowledge of the English language.
An abnormal fear of foreign doctors: While Shareen was traveling in Africa with her husband, her xeniatrophobia kept her from going to a local physician for treatment of the stomach ache which she was experiencing.
The form of cohabitation between ant colonies, showing hospitality (cordial and generous treatment): Jeff was fascinated by ants and read about xeniobiosis in which ants of one species lived as guests in the nests of another kind of ant without eating the young brood, but enjoying the share of resources or nutrients.
A scientist who speculates on the biology of alien life forms: A xenobiologist is usually a human doctor, or biologist, who is an expert regarding the physiology of alien organisms and life forms.
The hypothetical biology of alien forms of life; exobiology: After completing high school with honors, Mary wanted to study xenobiology to learn more about extraterrestrial organisms, or those beyond those of the Earth.
A form of symbiosis among ants in which two colonies of different species live together on friendly terms: In the article about xenobiosis, the ants of the two species lived-in an amiable relationship, but without rearing their broods in common.
xenobiotic (adjective), more xenobiotic, most xenobiotic
A pharmacologically, an endocrinologically, or a toxicologically active substance: A xenobiotic matter is not endogenously produced and therefore foreign to an organism.
A xenobiotic chemical is a foreign organic one which relates to environmental pollutants, like pesticides in runoff water.
A ruling body of foreigners: In the story, Naomi read about a group of people from different nations arriving at an island by boat and who thought that they needed to set up some kind of government called xenocracy in which one person was chosen from each nation to establish the guidelines they needed for living in peace with each other.
