The Oxford Dictionary defines the term as relating to beings or things from another world; it also encompasses that which is foreign or unfamiliar. For example, it may denote a creature from outer space, as in “an alien invasion,” or a plant or animal that has been introduced to a new environment and is not native to it. Furthermore, it can refer to a person who is not a citizen of the country in which they are living.
Understanding the multiple facets of this definition is crucial for accurate interpretation of texts, policies, and scientific discussions. The definition’s breadth allows for nuanced application in diverse fields, from literature and science fiction to immigration law and ecology. Its historical context reveals evolving societal perceptions regarding the unfamiliar, the foreign, and the extraterrestrial.
