Understanding the Exo Root Word: Definitions and Examples

Definition & Meaning: Exo Word Root

The root word Exo is derived from the Greek word meaning “outside.” Many words incorporating this root are used in modern technical and scientific contexts. Exceptions include words like exotic, which comes from the Greek word exōtikos meaning “foreign,” and exogamy (Greek gamos, marriage), which refers to the custom of marrying outside one’s community, clan, or tribe. Technical terms include exoskeleton, a rigid external covering for the body in some invertebrate animals; exothermic, referring to a chemical reaction that releases heat; exogenous, meaning developing from external factors; and exobiology, the branch of science that explores the possibility of life on other planets.To better understand, let’s break down the word exogamy:

Exo: Outside
Gamy: Marriage
Exogamy: Marriage outside one’s community

Example Sentence: The society should now leave unorthodoxy and consider exogamy as an option for human betterment.

Words Based on the Exo- Word Root

Commonly Used Words Based on the Exo- Word Root:

Exobiology: The branch of biology dealing with the search for extraterrestrial life and the effects of extraterrestrial surroundings on living organisms.
Exogamy: The custom of marrying outside a community, clan, or tribe.
Exonerate: To absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoing.

Archaic Words Based on the Exo- Word Root:

Exodos: The final scene or departure, especially in tragedy and usually Old Comedy, typically following the last stasimon.

Technical Words/Jargon Based on the Exo- Word Root:

Exocarp: The outer layer of the pericarp of a fruit.
Exocrine: Referring to glands that produce and secrete substances onto an epithelial surface by way of a duct.
Exocyclic: Situated outside of a ring in a chemical structure.
Exocytosis: The process by which the contents of a cell vacuole are released to the exterior through fusion of the vacuole membrane with the cell membrane.
Exoderm: A deep peel that can be effective on lines and contrast irregularities.
Exodontist: A dentist who specializes in the extraction of teeth.
Exoenzyme: An enzyme that acts outside the cell that produces it.
Exoergic: Releasing energy.
Exoerythrocytic: The developmental stage of the malaria parasite in liver parenchyma cells of the vertebrate host before the red blood cells become infected.
Exogen: Uses safe, painless low-intensity ultrasound waves to stimulate the body’s natural repair process.
Exon: A segment of a DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence.

Related Word Roots

1. Endo- (Greek: within)

This root refers to something within or inside. Examples include:

Endothermic: A process or reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings.
Endoscopy: A medical procedure that involves looking inside the body using an endoscope.

2. Intra- (Latin: within)

This root also denotes within or inside. Examples include:

Intravenous: Administered within or into a vein.
Intramural: Situated or done within the walls of a building.

3. Ecto- (Greek: outside)

Similar to Exo, this root means outside or external. Examples include:

Ectoplasm: The outer portion of the cytoplasm of a cell.
Ectothermic: Referring to an organism that relies on external sources of body heat.

We hope this article on the commonly used Exo Root Word has been helpful to you in remembering words based on the Root Word Exo and enhancing your vocabulary. Understanding word roots makes it easier to break down complex words and grasp their meanings.