internal

in·ter·nal

adjective \in-ˈtər-n^əl, ˈin-ˌ\

Definition of INTERNAL

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

Examples of INTERNAL

1. the internal structure of the planet
2. a patient who is experiencing internal bleeding

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

Related Words

inmost, innermost; central, mid, middle, midmost

Near Antonyms

outermost, outmost; surface

Rhymes with INTERNAL

diurnal, eternal, external

in·ter·nal

adjective \in-ˈtərn-^əl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of INTERNAL

1

: 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>

2

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

3

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

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