external

Universal Words adjective 1 connected with or situated on the outside of sth/sb: the external walls of the building * The lotion is for external use only (= only for the skin and must not be swallowed). 2 happening or coming from outside a place, an organization, your particular situation, etc: A combination of internal and external factors caused the company to close down. * external pressures on the economy * Many external influences can affect your state of mind. * The information has come from reliable sources external to the government. 3 coming from or arranged by sb from outside a school, a university or an organization: (BrE) external examiners / assessors * An external auditor will verify the accounts. 4 connected with foreign countries: The government is committed to reducing the country's external debt. * the Minister of State for External Affairs OPPINTERNAL externally adverb: The building has been restored externally and internally. * The university has many externally funded research projects.