An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Of foreign origin or character; not native; introduced from abroad, but not fully naturalized or acclimatized.
   

2. Strikingly unusual or strange in effect or appearance.
   

3. Of a uniquely new or experimental nature (Dictionary.com).
   

See: → exotic star.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from M.Fr. exotique and directly from L. exoticus, from Gk. exotikos “foreign,” literally “from the outside,” from → exo- “outside.”

Etymology (PE): Osgânik, from os-, → ex-, + gân relation suffix, from Mid.Pers. -gânag, -gâna, + -ik, → -ic.