ScienceJuly 13, 2026
interloper
/ˈɪntərloʊpər/
Definition
Something or someone that intrudes into a place or process where they do not belong or are not expected.
Etymology
The word originated in the late 16th century from the prefix 'inter-' (between) and the Dutch word 'loopen' (to run). It originally referred to an unauthorized trader who infringed on the rights of a chartered company by operating in their territory.
In the news
In this article, the term refers to other chemical molecules that might be mistaken for sugar in space data. Scientists had to rigorously rule out these 'interlopers' to confirm their sugar discovery was genuine.
A Sweet Surprise: Scientists Find Sugar Deep in Our Galaxy
Read the full article ↗The New York Times