¹external

adjective ex·ter·nal \ek-ˈstər-n^əl\

: located, seen, or used on the outside or surface of something

: coming from outside

: existing or occurring outside your mind

Full Definition of EXTERNAL

a : capable of being perceived outwardly <external signs of a disease>

b (1) : having merely the outward appearance of something : superficial (2) : not intrinsic or essential <external circumstances>

a : of, relating to, or connected with the outside or an outer part <the building's external features>

b : applied or applicable to the outside <a lotion for external use>

a (1) : situated outside, apart, or beyond; specifically : situated near or toward the surface of the body (2) : arising or acting from outside <an external force>

b : of or relating to dealings or relationships with foreign countries

c : having existence independent of the mind <external reality>

— ex·ter·nal·ly \-n^əl-ē\ adverb

See external defined for English-language learners

See external defined for kids

Origin of EXTERNAL

Latin externus external, from exter — more at exterior

First Known Use: 1542

Related to EXTERNAL

Synonyms: accidental, adventitious, alien, extraneous, extrinsic, foreign, supervenient

Antonyms: inherent, innate, intrinsic

Rhymes with EXTERNAL

diurnal, eternal, fraternal, hibernal, infernal, internal, maternal, nocturnal, paternal, supernal

²external

noun

Definition of EXTERNAL

: something that is external: as

a : an outer part

b : an external feature or aspect —usually used in plural

First Known Use of EXTERNAL

circa 1635

Rhymes with EXTERNAL

diurnal, eternal

EXTERNAL Defined for Kids

external

adjective ex·ter·nal \ek-ˈstər-n^əl\

Definition of EXTERNAL for Kids

: situated on or relating to the outside : outside

Medical Dictionary

external

adjective ex·ter·nal \ek-ˈstərn-^əl\

Medical Definition of EXTERNAL

: capable of being perceived outwardly : bodily <external signs of a disease>

a : situated at, on, or near the outside <an external protective covering> <an external muscle> b : directed toward the outside : having an outside object <external perception> <eyesight and the other external senses> c : used by applying to the outside <an external lotion>

a (1) : situated near or toward the surface of the body; also : situated away from the mesial plane <the external condyle of the humerus> (2) : arising or acting from outside : having an outside origin <external causes> <external stimuli> b : of, relating to, or consisting of something outside the mind : having existence independent of the mind <sensations aroused by external phenomena> <external reality>

—ex·ter·nal·ly \-^əl-ē\ adverb