external

adjective

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ex·ter·nal | \ ek-ˈstər-nᵊl

Definition of external

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : capable of being perceived outwardly external signs of a disease

b(1) : having merely the outward appearance of something : superficial

(2) : not intrinsic or essential external circumstances

2a : of, relating to, or connected with the outside or an outer part the building's external features

b : applied or applicable to the outside a lotion for external use

3a(1) : situated outside, apart, or beyond specifically : situated near or toward the surface of the body

(2) : arising or acting from outside an external force

b : of or relating to dealings or relationships with foreign countries

c : having existence independent of the mind external reality

external

noun

Definition of external (Entry 2 of 2)

: something that is external: such as

a : an outer part

b : an external feature or aspect —usually used in plural

Other Words from external Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about external

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Synonyms & Antonyms for external

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

Examples of external in a Sentence

Adjective the external features of the building the external signs of the disease

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Taiwan blames 'external forces' for blocking BioNTech vaccine deal. — Tara John, CNN, "Want to stop the pandemic? Vaccinate the world.," 19 Feb. 2021 This, in Chávez’s view, is consistent with a long legacy of external forces projecting their narratives on her people. — Martin Fritz Huber, Outside Online, "This New Film Debunks the Tarahumara Myth," 8 Dec. 2020 The cases have also highlighted a conundrum at the core of E.U. ambitions to tighten external borders by pooling resources and involving the bloc in the sensitive, zealously shielded work of sovereign border guards. — New York Times, "E.U. Border Agency Accused of Covering Up Migrant Pushback in Greece," 26 Nov. 2020 Congress said that any lawmaker who supports Hong Kong’s independence, refuses to acknowledge China’s sovereignty over the city, threatens national security, or asks external forces to interfere in the city’s affairs should be disqualified. — Zen Soo, The Christian Science Monitor, "With resignations, Hong Kong democracy movement hangs in balance," 12 Nov. 2020 Congress said that any lawmaker who supports Hong Kong’s independence, refuses to acknowledge China’s sovereignty over the city, threatens national security, or asks external forces to interfere in the city’s affairs should be disqualified. — Fox News, "Hong Kong pro-democracy legislators hand in resignations," 12 Nov. 2020 This is probably the most difficult strategy to use because there are no external forces there to help you. — Casey Clark, SELF, "7 Trichotillomania Tips That Have Helped Me Stop Pulling Out My Eyelashes," 19 Oct. 2020 In Germany and Italy, conservative historians detached the history of fascism from long-term national histories, explaining fascism with an asterisk, as a freak occurrence or product of external forces in an otherwise healthy nation. — Federico Finchelstein, The New Republic, "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Is Right to Warn of “Fascism in the United States”," 20 Aug. 2020 Of course, your inertia may be due to internal drag rather than external forces. — Karla L. Miller, Washington Post, "Trapped by the pandemic in a job that was supposed to be short-term," 30 July 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Information out to the Foundation, alumni and other externals, too. — Dawn Rhodes, chicagotribune.com, "Southern Illinois University president ousted amid swirling controversy," 13 July 2018 The externals extend upward from the hipbone to the ribs and spine, and the internals rise forward from the hip to ribs. — Dave Kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "What's an oblique? Explaining the pesky strain that's keeping baseball players down," 23 Apr. 2018 While the Notebook 9 Pen carries the high-end internals that would justify a $1,399 price tag, its externals don't match up. — Valentina Palladino, Ars Technica, "Samsung Notebook 9 Pen review: Stylus convenience, devoid of style," 4 Apr. 2018 The kind of love that isn’t based on externals, but on a deep connection within. — Paige Davis, Health.com, "Breast Cancer Stripped Me Down Physically and Emotionally—and Taught Me More Than I Ever Imagined About Love," 2 Apr. 2018 After a minute or so, the mind goes outward once again and attends to the externals. — Martin Seligman, BostonGlobe.com, "When the brain is off to sleep — but hard at work," 22 Mar. 2018 MEMBERS OF THE EXTERNAL EXPERT ADVISORY PANEL PETER HARVEY, Esq. — NOLA.com, "NFL suspends Dallas' Ezekiel Elliott for 6 games," 11 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'external.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

2 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“External.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/external. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for external

external

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of external

: located, seen, or used on the outside or surface of something

: coming from outside

: existing or occurring outside your mind

See the full definition for external in the English Language Learners Dictionary

external

adjective

ex·ter·nal | \ ek-ˈstər-nᵊl

Kids Definition of external

: situated on or relating to the outside : outside

external

adjective

ex·ter·nal | \ ek-ˈstərn-ᵊl

Medical Definition of external

1 : capable of being perceived outwardly : bodily external signs of a disease

2a : 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

3a(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