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internal

adjective in·ter·nal \in-ˈtər-n^əl, ˈin-ˌ\

: existing or located on the inside of something

: coming from inside

: existing or occurring within your body

Full Definition of INTERNAL

: existing or situated within the limits or surface of something: as

a (1) : situated near the inside of the body (2) : situated on the side toward the median plane of the body

b : of, relating to, or occurring on the inside of an organized structure (as a club, company, or state) <internal affairs>

: relating or belonging to or existing within the mind

: intrinsic, inherent <internal evidence of forgery in a document>

: present or arising within an organism or one of its parts <internal stimulus>

: applied or intended for application through the stomach by being swallowed <an internal remedy>

— in·ter·nal·i·ty \ˌin-ˌtər-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun

— in·ter·nal·ly \in-ˈtər-n^əl-ē\ adverb

See internal defined for English-language learners

See internal defined for kids

Origin of INTERNAL

Middle English internalle, from Latin internus; akin to Latin inter between

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INTERNAL

Synonyms: inside, interior, inner, inward

Antonyms: exterior, external, outer, outside, outward

Rhymes with INTERNAL

diurnal, eternal, external

INTERNAL Defined for Kids

internal

adjective in·ter·nal \in-ˈtər-n^əl\

Definition of INTERNAL for Kids

: being within something : inner <The core is part of the earth's internal structure.>

: occurring or located within the body <The heart is an internal organ.>

: existing or occurring within a country <internal affairs>

— in·ter·nal·ly adverb

Medical Dictionary

internal

adjective in·ter·nal \in-ˈtərn-^əl\

Medical Definition of INTERNAL

: existing or situated within the limits or surface of something: as a : situated near the inside of the body <an internal layer of abdominal muscle> b : situated on the side toward the midsagittal plane of the body <the internal surface of the lung>

: present or arising within an organism or one of its parts <an internal stimulus>

: applied or intended for application through the stomach by being swallowed <an internal remedy>

—in·ter·nal·ly \in-ˈtərn-^əl-ē\ adverb