What is the meaning of 'extraneous'?

The term "extraneous" refers to something that is not essential or relevant to a particular subject or situation. It is often used to describe elements or factors that are unnecessary or unrelated to the main focus or topic at hand. In various contexts, such as academic writing or research, extraneous information can detract from the clarity and purpose of the content being presented. Thus, understanding the definition of "extraneous" as inessential or irrelevant is crucial for recognizing and filtering out unnecessary details that do not contribute meaningfully to an analysis or argument.