online medical dictionary | definition of exorbitant

1. Departing from an orbit or usual track; hence, deviating from the usual or due course; going beyond the appointed rules or established limits of right or propriety; excessive; extravagant; enormous; inordinate; as, exorbitant appetites and passions; exorbitant charges, demands, or claims. "Foul exorbitant desires." (Milton)

2. Not comprehended in a settled rule or method; anomalous. "The Jews . . . [were] inured with causes exorbitant, and such as their laws had not provided for." (Hooker)

Origin: L. Exorbitans, -antis, p. Pr. Of exorbitare to go out of the track; ex out + orbita track: cf. F. Exorbitant. See Orbit.

(01 Mar 1998)