This list includes 25 Adjectives that start with X, from “xanthic” to “xystic”. They mostly describe color, form, or scientific traits, and appear often in technical, literary, and descriptive writing.
Adjectives that start with X are descriptive words beginning with the letter X, often borrowed from Greek or Latin roots. Many are rare or technical, though a few like “xenophobic” have entered everyday use.
Below you’ll find the table with Adjective, Definition, Example, and Register.
Adjective: The adjective itself in base form, so you can copy it or recognize it quickly.
Definition: A concise one-line meaning that helps you understand the core sense and choose the right word.
Example: A short natural sentence showing how the adjective fits in everyday or formal writing for quick context.
Register: Labels such as “formal”, “colloquial”, or “archaic” that tell you where and how you can use the word.
Adjectives that start with X
| Adjective | Pronunciation | Register | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| xanthic | ZAN-thik | rare, technical | The mineral displayed a xanthic sheen. |
| xanthous | ZAN-thəs | rare | Her xanthous hair caught the sunlight. |
| xanthochromic | ZAN-thoh-KROH-mik | technical, rare | Doctors noted xanthochromic cerebrospinal fluid. |
| xenic | ZEE-nik | technical | The culture was xenic, containing several species. |
| xenial | ZEE-nee-əl | rare | They enjoyed xenial relations with their neighbors. |
| xenodochial | zee-noh-DOH-kee-əl | rare, literary | The inn was xenodochial to weary travelers. |
| xenogeneic | zee-noh-jee-NEE-ik | technical | The graft was xenogeneic, from a different species. |
| xenogenous | zee-NOH-jə-nəs | technical | Xenogenous deposits altered the sediment profile. |
| xenophobic | zee-noh-FOH-bik | common | The speech contained xenophobic remarks. |
| xenophilic | zee-noh-FIL-ik | rare | A xenophilic outlook embraces foreign cultures. |
| xenotropic | zee-noh-TROH-pik | technical | This virus strain is xenotropic in lab mice. |
| xenolithic | zee-noh-LITH-ik | technical | The basalt carried xenolithic inclusions. |
| xenoglossic | zee-noh-GLOSS-ik | rare, technical | He reported a xenoglossic utterance in hypnosis. |
| xeric | ZER-ik | technical (ecology) | Cacti thrive in xeric environments. |
| xerophytic | ZER-oh-FIT-ik | technical | Those plants are xerophytic and drought-resistant. |
| xeromorphic | ZER-oh-MOR-fik | technical | The succulent had xeromorphic leaves. |
| xerothermic | ZER-oh-THER-mik | technical | The afternoon was xerothermic and sweltering. |
| xerophilous | ZER-oh-FIL-əs | technical, rare | Certain molds are xerophilous on dry foods. |
| xerographic | ZER-uh-GRAF-ik | common, technical | She used a xerographic copier at work. |
| xiphoid | ZIP-hoyd | technical (anatomy) | He complained of pain near the xiphoid area. |
| xyloid | ZY-loyd | rare, technical | The fossil had a xyloid, woodlike structure. |
| xylographic | ZY-loh-GRAF-ik | technical, rare | They studied xylographic prints from the workshop. |
| xylophagous | zy-LOF-ə-gəs | technical | Termites are highly xylophagous insects. |
| xylophilous | zy-LOH-FIL-əs | technical, rare | Several beetles are xylophilous under bark. |
| xystic | ZIS-tik | rare, archaic (architecture) | They strolled under the xystic portico. |
Descriptions
xanthic
yellowish; used in chemistry and biology to describe yellow coloration.
xanthous
yellowish; often used of hair or pigmentation.
xanthochromic
yellowish discoloration, especially of bodily fluids; medical term related to xanthochromia.
xenic
relating to foreign organisms or occurring with other species; used in microbiology/ecology.
xenial
hospitable to guests or strangers; literary or rare usage.
xenodochial
hospitable to strangers; archaic or literary synonym of hospitable.
xenogeneic
originating in or derived from another species; used in biology and medicine.
xenogenous
originating externally or from another source; used in geology and biology.
xenophobic
fearful or hostile toward foreigners; common in social and political contexts.
xenophilic
having a liking for foreign people or cultures; opposite of xenophobic.
xenotropic
preferring or restricted to cells of another species; virology term.
xenolithic
containing or composed of foreign rock fragments; geology usage.
xenoglossic
relating to xenoglossy (speaking an unknown language); rare, used in parapsychology.
xeric
adapted to or characteristic of dry conditions; common in ecological contexts.
xerophytic
adapted to survive in very dry habitats; botanical usage.
xeromorphic
having structural adaptations for dry conditions; used in botany.
xerothermic
hot and dry; used in ecology and climate descriptions.
xerophilous
able to tolerate or prefer dry conditions; ecology and mycology usage.
xerographic
relating to xerography or photocopying; common in printing and office contexts.
xiphoid
sword-shaped; in anatomy, relating to the xiphoid process at the lower sternum.
xyloid
woodlike; descriptive in geology and general usage.
xylographic
relating to woodblock printing or prints made from woodblocks.
xylophagous
feeding on wood; used in biology and entomology.
xylophilous
living on or attracted to wood; ecology and mycology usage.
xystic
relating to a xystus (a covered walkway or portico); architectural and rare usage.