Extraterrestrial
Entry updated 9 May 2014. Tagged: Theme.
In sf Terminology, this is typically a noun denoting a creature (usually intelligent) from beyond Terra; that is, from off Earth. When used as a noun, and occasionally in its adjectival mode, the word may be shortened to "et", "e-t" or "ET" (pronounced "eetee"). Of course the adjectival form need not imply life or consciousness – a meteorite, by definition, comes from extraterrestrial regions – but neither does it exclude them. One favourite Pseudoscience trope often deployed in sf is an extraterrestrial Origin of Man. For lengthier discussion of extraterrestrials as a common sf theme, see Life on Other Worlds and especially Aliens. [PN/DRL]
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