a term properly signifying foreign or extraneous, i.e., brought from a remote or strange country. In which sense we sometimes say exotic or barbarous terms or words, &c. The word is derived from the Greek ἐξωτικός, ἐξωτερικός, extra, "without, on the outside."

Exotic, is chiefly applied to plants which are natives of foreign countries, particularly those brought from the East and West Indies, and which do not naturally grow in Europe.

The generality of exotics, or exotic plants, do not thrive in England without some peculiar care and culture: they require the warmth of their own climates; whence the use of hot beds, glass frames, green houses, &c. See Gardening Index.