The term "extramural" refers to anything that exists or takes place outside the walls, boundaries, or precincts of an organized group or institution, such as a school, university, or hospital. In the context of education, it often describes activities, competitions, or studies involving participants from multiple institutions or events organized for people who are not enrolled at the hosting institution, like inter-school sports or distance learning. The origin of the word is Latin: "extra" (outside) + "mural" (wall).

Common Uses

• Extramural studies : Courses or programs for people who are not regular students, usually delivered through distance learning.

• Extramural competitions : Inter-school or intercollegiate events in sports or academics, held between representatives of different institutions.

• Extramural research : Research conducted outside the main infrastructure of an institution, sometimes through collaborations.

In Language Learning

• In second-language acquisition, "extramural" activities refer to language exposure and practice happening outside of the classroom setting, such as watching movies or playing games in the target language.

Overall, "extramural" essentially means "outside the walls" of an organization or institution.