Definition

A piece of tissue taken from one species and transplanted into a different species.

Example

The doctor used a xenograft to help repair the damaged tissue in the patient.

Conversation

Have you heard about the new xenograft technique they are using in surgeries?

Yeah, I read something about it! It sounds really interesting.

I wonder how they manage to make xenografts work without rejection from the body.

I think they use special treatments to help the body accept the tissue.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Xenograft → It is formed from "xeno-" (from Greek "xenos", meaning foreign) and "graft" (from Old English "graeft", meaning to insert or implant). The word describes a graft or tissue that is taken from a foreign species and implanted into another species.

Memory Tip

Think of 'foreign' ('xeno-') tissue being 'inserted' ('graft') into another body — that's what a xenograft is.

Visually Confused Words