Ex‐ter″nal (?), a. [L. externus, fr. exter, exterus, on the outside, outward. See Exterior.] 1. Outward; exterior; relating to the outside, as of a body; being without; acting from without; — opposed to internal; as, the external form or surface of a body.
Of all external things,...
She forms imaginations, aery shapes. Milton.
2. Outside of or separate from ourselves; (Metaph.) separate from the perceiving mind.
3. Outwardly perceptible; visible; physical or corporeal, as distinguished from mental or moral.
Her virtues graced with external gifts. Shak.
4. Not intrinsic nor essential; accidental; accompanying; superficial.
The external circumstances are greatly different. Trench.
5. Foreign; relating to or connected with foreign nations; as, external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom.
6. (Anat.) Away from the mesial plane of the body; lateral.
External angles. (Geom.) See under Angle.