What does outgrowth mean?
An outgrowth is something that extends from a larger physical form or develops from a larger process. Literally, it may refer to a shoot, projection, or formation growing outward from a plant, object, or structure. Figuratively, an outgrowth is a secondary development or consequence, often one that seems natural or organic rather than deliberately created at the outset. For example, a policy may be described as an outgrowth of a committee discussion, while an appendix can be called an outgrowth of the main report. The word is useful when emphasizing emergence from a parent body or process. It can sound somewhat formal, especially in figurative contexts, but is also understood in ordinary English. Although it is sometimes confused with the broader word “growth,” “outgrowth” more specifically highlights something extending from or developing out of an established whole.
nounA growth or projection extending from a main body or structure. By extension, a natural development or result that arises from a larger process.
- A projection, shoot, or other growth extending from a plant, object, or structure.
- A secondary development, result, or consequence that emerges from a larger process.
"The committee's proposal was a natural outgrowth of months of discussion."
"Small outgrowths appeared along the edge of the stone wall."
"The archive project was a useful outgrowth of the community's history programme."
The regular plural is used for multiple physical projections or figurative developments.
"Several small outgrowths were visible around the base of the tree."
What grows outward is literally an outgrowth; what develops as a consequence is its figurative counterpart.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does outgrowth come from?
“Outgrowth” combines the prefix “out-” with “growth,” reflecting the idea of something growing outward from a main body. The compound was originally used for physical projections, especially those arising from a plant or similar structure. Its figurative sense developed by applying the same spatial metaphor to the emergence of a consequence or secondary development from a larger process. Its elements belong to the English word family rooted in the Old English verb “grōwan,” “to grow.”
Related word forms
How outgrowth is actually used
The word is neutral in register. Its figurative use is especially common in the expression “an outgrowth of,” where it describes a result or development arising naturally from a broader activity.
Easily confused with outgrowth
An outgrowth is specifically something that projects or develops from a larger body or process, whereas growth can refer more broadly to any increase or development.