Extratelluric

/ˌɛkstrətɛˈlʊrɪk/ adjective

Definition

Of or relating to matter, influence, or origin that exists beyond or outside the Earth.

Etymology

From 'extra-' (outside) + 'telluric' (from Latin tellus, Earth). Similar to 'extratellurian,' this variant developed in geological and astronomical literature of the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Geologists debated whether certain minerals and meteorites were 'extratelluric'—meaning they came from space—and this debate actually helped prove meteorites really do fall from above.

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