external
UK: ɪkˈstɜː.nəl | US: ɪkˈstɜːr.nəl
adj. relating to or situated on the outside
adj. coming from or existing outside a place, group, or system
adj. (medicine) affecting the outer part of the body
external = exter<outer> + nal<adjective suffix>
- exter (from Latin exterus, meaning "outer" or "external")
- nal (a suffix derived from Latin -alis, used to form adjectives indicating relation)
Etymology Origin:
The word "external" traces back to Latin externus, a derivative of exter ("outer"). The suffix -alis (anglicized to -al) was commonly added to nouns in Latin to form adjectives. Over time, externus evolved into Old French externe, and by the late Middle English period, it adopted the -al suffix to solidify its adjectival form, emphasizing "pertaining to the outside." This reflects a clear logical progression from spatial orientation (outer) to abstract relational use (external factors).
The external walls of the building were painted white.
External audits ensure financial transparency.
The medicine is for external use only.
She faced external pressures to conform.
The device has an external hard drive for extra storage.