External — Defs

01 a. Outward; exterior; relating to the outside, as of a body; being without; acting from without; -- opposed to internal; as, the external form…

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 [Fancy] forms imaginations, aery shapes.” — Milton.
2.
Outside of or separate from ourselves; (Metaph.) separate from the perceiving mind.(Metaph.)
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.
Away from the mesial plane of the body; lateral.(Anat.)

Phrases & compounds

External angles — See under Angle.

02 n. Something external or without; outward part; that which makes a show, rather than that which is intrinsic; visible form; -- usually in the …

1.
Something external or without; outward part; that which makes a show, rather than that which is intrinsic; visible form; -- usually in the plural.
“Adam was then no less glorious in his externals” — South.

“God in externals could not place content.” — Pope.