external Hear it!

external Definition

ex·ter·nal (ek stʉr′nəl, ik-)

adjective

  1. on or having to do with the outside; outer; exterior
  2. on, or for use on, the outside of the body a machine for external use only
    1. outwardly visible
    2. existing apart from the mind; material external reality
  4. originating outside; acting or coming from without an external force
    1. for outward appearance or show; superficial external politeness
    2. not basic or essential external factors
  6. having to do with foreign countries and international affairs

Etymology: ME < L externus, outward, external < exter, exterus, on the outside, compar. form < ex, out of (see ex-) + -al

noun

  1. an outside or outward surface or part
  2. outward appearance or behavior; superficialities

external Related Forms

ex·ter′·nally adverb

external Synonyms

external

modif.

outer, surface, visible, open to the air; see obvious 1, outer, outside.

external Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • examiner: Jane is also an external examiner at Robert Gordon University.
  • auditor: From January 2007, the REC will use an external auditor to ensure agencies comply with the charter.
  • websites: External Sites All links to external websites will open in a new window.
  • link: All external links will open in a new browser.
  • funding: Some £ 740 million per year is collectively spent by Research Councils on external research project funding.
  • consultant: The use of external consultants to carry out assessments is not recommended.

Modifying Another Word

  • there: Are there external side mounted and rear view mirrors on the vehicles to provide optimum all round visibility?
  • only: A zero reference button is the only external control on the Encoder.
  • also: See also external links for web sites of bodies associated with NEWI quality assurance.
  • not: Like us, they are a mutual organization, looking after members, not external shareholders.
  • so: It dries poorly in cold damp conditions, so external painting needs to be done between April and September.

Used with adjective complement

  • manage: Managing external machining / PCB / electronics assembly contractors.
  • involve: The OGC Gateway Process was originally set up to help procurement projects that involve external ( actual ) expenditure.