endogenous

views updated May 21 2018

en·dog·e·nous / enˈdäjənəs/ • adj. having an internal cause or origin: the expected rate of infection is endogenous to the system. Often contrasted with exogenous. ∎  Biol. growing or originating from within an organism: endogenous gene sequences. ∎ chiefly Psychiatry (of a disease or symptom) not attributable to any external or environmental factor: endogenous depression. ∎  confined within a group or society.

endogenous

views updated May 23 2018

endogenous Describing a substance, stimulus, organ, etc., that originates from within an organism. For example, growth rhythms not directed by environmental stimuli are termed endogenous rhythms. Lateral roots, which always grow from inside the main root rather than from its surface, are said to arise endogenously. Compare exogenous.

endogenous

views updated Jun 11 2018

endogenous (en-doj-in-ŭs) adj. arising within or derived from the body. Compare exogenous.