external

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface

   the external auditory canal

2. 2
   adj

   purely outward or superficial

   external composure

3. 3
   adj

   from or between other countries

   external commerce

4. 4
   noun

   outward features

   We enjoyed the solemn externals of religion, but didn't care much for the supernatural stuff.

5. 5
   adj

   Outside of something; on the exterior.

   This building has some external pipework.

6. 6
   adj

   Provided by something or someone outside of the entity (object, group, company etc.) considered.

   external authority, external force

7. 7
   adj

   Relating to or connected with foreign nations or institutions.

   external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom

8. 8
   adj

   Having existence independent of the mind.

   external reality

Etymology

From Late Middle English, from Medieval Latin externus (“outward, external”), from exter/exterus (“on the outside, outward”).