Endogenous is a term used in biology and medicine to refer to processes or substances that originate from within an organism. The word is spelled as /ɛnˈdɒdʒənəs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable 'en' is pronounced as the short vowel sound 'ɛ', followed by 'dʒ' which sounds like the soft 'j' in 'jump'. The second syllable 'do' is pronounced as short 'ɒ', 'ʤə' as 'jə' and the final syllable 'nus' is pronounced as 'nəs'.
Endogenous is an adjective that refers to something originating from within or being produced internally, rather than being caused by external factors. It typically describes processes, substances, or characteristics that develop or arise from internal sources or mechanisms within an organism or system.
In the context of biology and medicine, an endogenous substance refers to one that is naturally produced within the body, as opposed to being introduced from an external source. For instance, endogenous hormones are the chemicals produced by various glands in the body that regulate bodily functions, such as growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes.
In the field of economics, endogenous factors or variables are those determined by internal dynamics within an economic system. These factors are influenced by elements within the system itself, such as consumption patterns, investment decisions, and government policies. By contrast, exogenous factors are external influences that impact the system but are not affected by it.
The term endogenous is also employed in other disciplines like psychology and chemistry, where it refers to processes or characteristics arising from within a system or organism rather than being influenced by external factors.
Overall, endogenous describes internal, self-generated phenomena that emerge or occur as a natural result of the system or organism itself, independent of external influences.
1. Originating or produced within the organism or one of its parts. 2. Endogenic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Increasing by internal growth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "endogenous" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words, "endon" meaning "within" and "genos" meaning "race" or "kind". Therefore, "endogenous" literally means "within the race" or "inner origin". This term is commonly used in biology and medicine to describe processes or substances that originate or are produced within an organism.