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Word Central

alien

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alien

Main Entry:: ¹alien
Pronunciation:: \ˈā-lē-ən, ˈāl-yən\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin alienus, from alius
Date:: 14th century

1 a: belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing : strange b: relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government : foreign c: exotic 12: differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility

synonyms see extrinsic

— alien·ly adverb

— alien·ness

Listen to the pronunciation of alienness

\-lē-ən-nəs, -yən-nəs\ noun

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