What does excrescence mean?
An excrescence is an outgrowth or protrusion that has developed abnormally on a surface — medically or botanically, it may describe a growth on skin or a swelling on a plant stem. More often today, however, the word is used figuratively and critically to condemn something perceived as an ugly, excessive, or unnecessary addition: an architectural excrescence bolted onto a handsome facade, a stylistic excrescence marring otherwise elegant prose, or a bureaucratic excrescence encumbering an institution. The word carries strong negative connotations, suggesting disfigurement and superfluity rather than mere addition. Derived from Latin excrescere, meaning 'to grow forth,' it entered English in the early seventeenth century. Its formal register makes it a favourite of critics and commentators who want to express distaste with precision, lending their condemnation a note of clinical detachment.
nounAn abnormal outgrowth or protrusion, such as a blemish on a body or an excrescent formation on a plant; figuratively, any unwelcome or superfluous addition or appendage.
- An abnormal outgrowth on a body, plant, or other natural object (e.g., a wart, tumour-like growth, or botanical protuberance).
- Figuratively, any unwelcome, superfluous, or disfiguring addition or appendage, especially in architecture, design, or language.
"The old building's facade was disfigured by every conceivable excrescence — pipes, satellite dishes, and air-conditioning units."
"A small excrescence had formed on the tree trunk where the branch had been cut back years earlier."
"Critics dismissed the tower's rooftop additions as architectural excrescences that ruined the original clean lines of the design."
Regular plural. Often used in the plural in figurative criticism, e.g., 'the excrescences of modern architecture.'
"The surgeon removed several small excrescences from the patient's skin."
From Latin 'excrescere' — to grow forth — this word turns anything ugly and unwanted into something that simply grew where it shouldn't have.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of excrescence
Excrescence derives from Latin excrescere ('to grow forth, sprout out'), formed from ex- ('out') plus crescere ('to grow'), the same root that gives us crescent, crescendo, and increase. It passed into English in the early seventeenth century, likely via French excroissance or directly from Latin. Cognates sharing the crescere root appear across Romance languages, such as French croissance ('growth').
Related word forms
How excrescence is actually used
Formal register, often carrying a pejorative connotation when used figuratively — it implies something ugly, excessive, or unnecessary rather than neutral. Common in architectural criticism, literary criticism, and medical/botanical description.
Easily confused with excrescence
Excretion is the process of eliminating waste matter from the body, whereas excrescence is an abnormal outgrowth or superfluous addition.
An excursion is a short journey or trip, while an excrescence is a physical outgrowth or figurative unwanted addition.