Main Entry: ex·ter·nal

Pronunciation: \ek-ˈstərn-^əl\

Function: adjective

1 : capable of being perceived outwardly : bodily <external signs of a disease>
2 a : situated at, on, or near the outside <an external protective covering> <an external muscle> b : directed toward the outside : having an outside object <external perception> <eyesight and the other external senses> c : used by applying to the outside <an external lotion>
3 a (1) : situated near or toward the surface of the body ; also : situated away from the mesial plane <the external condyle of the humerus> (2) : arising or acting from outside : having an outside origin <external causes> <external stimuli> b : of, relating to, or consisting of something outside the mind : having existence independent of the mind <sensations aroused by external phenomena> <external reality>

—ex·ter·nal·ly \-^əl-ē\ adverb