endogenous

[ en-doj-uh-nuhs ]

adjective

1. proceeding from within; derived internally.
2. Biology. growing or developing from within; originating within.
3. Pathology. (of a disease) resulting from conditions within the organism rather than externally caused.
4. Biochemistry. pertaining to the metabolism of nitrogenous elements of cells and tissues.
5. Geology. endogenetic.

endogenous

/ ɛnˈdɒdʒɪnəs /

adjective

1. biology developing or originating within an organism or part of an organism

   endogenous rhythms

2. having no apparent external cause

   endogenous depression

endogenous

/ ĕn-dŏj′ə-nəs /

1. Originating or produced within an organism, tissue, or cell.
2. Compare exogenous

Derived Forms

• enˈdogenously, adverb
• enˈdogeny, noun

Other Words From

• en·do·ge·nic·i·ty [en-doh-j, uh, -, nis, -i-tee], noun
• en·doge·nous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of endogenous¹

First recorded in 1825–35; endo- + -genous

Example Sentences

Endorphin is a portmanteau of “endogenous opioid” and in fact drugs like morphine and fentanyl only work in our bodies because they mimic the effects of these innate peptides.

From Salon

These more advanced forms of silencing ended up regulating the expression of the cell's endogenous genes, leading to the evolution of genomic imprinting.

From Science Daily

“They now have the status of villagers, equal to that of the traditional endogenous population settled in the Angkor zone for generations,” the report said.

From Seattle Times

Using a sophisticated optogenetic approach, the researchers have discovered a previously unknown endogenous acid sensor in plant cells.

From Science Daily

The University of Washington discloses a patent incorporating the endogenous reprogramming technology described in this report with inventors LT and TAR.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• internal
• remote