[ex.og.e.nous] adj [F exogene exogenous, fr. exo- + -gene (fr. Gk -genes born)--more at -gen] (1830) 1: produced by growth from superficial tissue "~ roots produced by leaves"
2. a: caused by factors (as food or a traumatic factor) or an agent (as a disease-producing organism) from outside the organism or system "~ obesity" "~ psychic depression" b: introduced from or produced outside the organism or system; specif: not synthesized within the organism or system -- ex.og.e.nous.ly adv