outgrowth

noun

out·​growth ˈau̇t-ˌgrōth 

1

: a process or product of growing out

an outgrowth of hair

2

: consequence, by-product

crime is often an outgrowth of poverty

Synonyms of outgrowth

• limb
• growth
• offshoot
• sprout
• shoot

Examples of outgrowth in a Sentence

trimmed back some of the tree's outgrowths so they wouldn't interfere with the power lines

a predictable outgrowth of the suburb's ever growing population will be the need for more schools

Recent Examples on the Web

Vaccine skepticism is also in some ways an outgrowth of our modern wellness culture. — Nicholas Florko, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026

Then comes outgrowth, three or four hours of rebuilding the proteins and machinery of a working cell. — Canan Karakoç, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

The concept is an outgrowth not only of delivery apps, but of the rise in commercial rents. — Longreads, 15 Sep. 2026

The region’s attitudes toward hospitality are a natural outgrowth of these broader social graces. — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for outgrowth

• ingrowth
• both
• doeth
• growth
• loath
• oath
• quoth
• sloth
• troth
• undergrowth

Kids Definition

outgrowth

noun

out·​growth ˈau̇t-ˌgrōth 

1

: something that grows out of or develops from something else

2

: offshoot sense 1, by-product

Medical Definition

outgrowth

noun

out·​growth ˈau̇t-ˌgrōth 

1

: the process of growing out

in vitro, dopamine modifies axonal and dendritic outgrowth

—Linda C. Mayes

2

: something that grows directly out of something else

an outgrowth of hair

a bony outgrowth