US /ɪkˈsɝːt/ UK /ɪkˈsɜːt/
verb adj

Meanings

  1. 1
    verb

    to thrust, extend, or cause a body part or structure to project outward

    The feeding insect can exsert its tubular mouthpart.

  2. 2
    adj

    projecting beyond the surrounding structure or extending outward

    The flower's exsert stamens extend beyond the petals.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 verb · to thrust, extend, or cause... protrudeextendthrust out
2 adj · projecting beyond the... protrudingprojecting
Opposites
Word family
Forms exserted
Derived forms exsertion
Related forms exertprotrusionextension

Etymology

From Latin exsertus, the past participle of exserere, 'to stretch or thrust out,' formed from ex-, 'out,' + serere, 'to join or entwine.' Exsert and exert share this history but developed distinct technical and general senses.

Topics

markdown

Send feedback

Optional — only if you'd like a reply.