extraterrestrial

[ek-struh-tuh-res-tree-uh l] /ˌɛk strə təˈrɛs tri əl/
adjective
1.
outside, or originating outside, the limits of the earth.
noun
2.
an extraterrestrial being:
a science fiction novel about extraterrestrials conquering the earth.
Origin
1865-70; extra- + terrestrial
Related forms
extraterrestrially, adverb
Examples from the web for extraterrestrial
  • To better recognize extraterrestrial life should they come upon it, scientists are working to create simple life forms in a lab.
  • For those who hanker after extraterrestrial life that is a pity.
  • As scientists continue their search for extraterrestrial water, it's good to be reminded why they're actually looking for it.
  • Humans have searched for extraterrestrial life for more than a century.
  • The underlying method is to try and make contact with an extraterrestrial civilization using signal-processing.
  • It would also be the first known extraterrestrial impact to affect modern humans.
  • Space enthusiasts can now get an up-close look at the latest extraterrestrial explorer.
  • Some scientists have argued that the bacteria-shaped lumps are extraterrestrial bacteria.
  • The incorporation of many heavy isotopes and the presence of rare polyols is a signature of extraterrestrial materials.
  • Each of these cosmic messengers might herald extraterrestrial life.
British Dictionary definitions for extraterrestrial

extraterrestrial

/ˌɛkstrətɪˈrɛstrɪəl/
adjective
1.
occurring or existing beyond the earth's atmosphere
noun
2.
(in science fiction) a being from beyond the earth's atmosphere
Word Origin and History for extraterrestrial
adj.

also extra-terrestrial, 1812, from extra- + terrestrial. As a noun from 1956.

extraterrestrial in Science
extraterrestrial
  (ěk'strə-tə-rěs'trē-əl)   
Originating, located, or occurring outside the Earth or its atmosphere.
extraterrestrial in Culture
extraterrestrial [(ek-struh-tuh-res-tree-uhl)]

A descriptive term for things outside the Earth, such as possible civilizations outside the solar system, or objects, such as meteorites, that actually reach the Earth.