external. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

The American Heritage^® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.

external

SYLLABICATION:	ex·ter·nal
PRONUNCIATION:	k-stûrnl
ADJECTIVE:	1. Relating to, existing on, or connected with the outside or an outer part; exterior. 2. Suitable for application to the outside: external paints. 3. Existing independently of the mind. 4. Acting or coming from the outside: external pressures. 5. Of or relating chiefly to outward appearance; superficial: “An internal sense of righteousness dwindles into an external concern for reputation” (A.R. Gurney, Jr.). 6. Of or relating to foreign affairs or foreign countries: the country's minister of external affairs.
NOUN:	1. An exterior part or surface. 2. externals a. Outer circumstances. b. Outward appearances: was charming as far as the externals went.
ETYMOLOGY:	Middle English, from Latin externus, outward, from exter. See eghs in Appendix I.
OTHER FORMS:	ex·ternal·ly —ADVERB


The American Heritage^® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.