Anōterikos means upper or inland, referring to the upper or higher regions. In Acts 19, Paul traveled through the "upper country" to reach Ephesus, likely referring to the overland route through the Anatolian highlands rather than the coastal road.
Paul's journey through the upper regions to Ephesus led to one of the most powerful spiritual encounters in Acts — his meeting with disciples who had received only John's baptism. His baptizing them in Jesus' name and the laying on of hands resulted in the Holy Spirit falling and tongues and prophecy beginning. The geographical detail frames a pivotal moment of Spirit-outpouring.