Main Entry: in·ter·nal

Pronunciation: \in-ˈtər-n^əl, ˈin-ˌ\

Function: adjective

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

Date: 15th century

1 : 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>
2 : relating or belonging to or existing within the mind
3 : intrinsic, inherent <internal evidence of forgery in a document>
4 : present or arising within an organism or one of its parts <internal stimulus>
5 : 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