adjective
external
ihk-STUR-nuhl
adjective
1
Coming from, or relating to, the outside of something.
"The company hired an external consultant to review its finances."
"Apply the cream to the external area only."
How to Use External
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishComing from outside — a person, cause, or part not belonging to the inside of something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
external factors
external hard drive
external audit
Word Forms
more external comparative, externals plural, most external superlative
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The company hired an _____ consultant to review its finances.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin externus, "outward, external".