internal

adjective

in·​ter·​nal in-ˈtər-nᵊl How to pronounce internal (audio)
ˈin-ˌtər-
1
: existing or situated within the limits or surface of something: such 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 (such 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
internality noun
internally adverb

Example Sentences

the internal structure of the planet a patient who is experiencing internal bleeding
Recent Examples on the Web Common cancer treatments like chemotherapy and external or internal radiation therapies are considered adjuvant therapies. Doru Paul, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2023 Henrico County Sheriff Alisa Gregory said in a statement that her office was cooperating fully with state police and conducting its own internal review of the incident. Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2023 As with all-wheel-drive variants of internal-combustion vehicles, all-wheel-drive EVs come with benefits as well as compromises, so one thing that hasn't changed in this transition from gas to electric is carefully considering your own needs. Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, 17 Mar. 2023 The agency started an internal cursory review and then opened a formal investigation. Steve Karnowski, Fortune, 17 Mar. 2023 But some financial watchdogs have demanded a more independent investigation, arguing that the Fed’s failures were so significant that an internal review won’t suffice. Jonathan O'connell, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023 The things that are scary or chasing the different characters are oftentimes things that are internal and peculiar to that person. Dan Snierson, EW.com, 15 Mar. 2023 An internal review at Kids Matter is also underway to address any potential impact on its clients, Conwell said in a statement. Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2023 All this could grant the ultimate, elusive wish for EV makers: Price parity with internal-combustion automobiles. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2023 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of internal was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near internal

Cite this Entry

“Internal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internal. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

internal

adjective
in·​ter·​nal in-ˈtərn-ᵊl How to pronounce internal (audio)
1
: existing or lying within : inner
internal structure
2
: relating to, occurring, or located in the body
3
: of, relating to, or occurring on the inside of an organized structure (as a company or state)
internal affairs
internally adverb

Medical Definition

internal

adjective
in·​ter·​nal in-ˈtərn-ᵊl How to pronounce internal (audio)
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
internally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on internal

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