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. [ 1913 Webster ] Of all external things, . . . She [ Fancy ] forms imaginations, aery shapes. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Outside of or separate from ourselves; (Metaph.) separate from the perceiving mind. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Outwardly perceptible; visible; physical or corporeal, as distinguished from mental or moral. [ 1913 Webster ] Her virtues graced with external gifts. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Not intrinsic nor essential; accidental; accompanying; superficial. [ 1913 Webster ] The external circumstances are greatly different. Trench. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Foreign; relating to or connected with foreign nations; as, external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Anat.) Away from the mesial plane of the body; lateral. [ 1913 Webster ] External angles. (Geom.) See under Angle. [ 1913 Webster ]
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