exterior definition

1. External; outward; pertaining to that which is external; opposed to interior; as, the exterior part of a sphere. "Sith nor the exterior nor the inward man Resemble that it was." (Shak)

2. External; on the outside; without the limits of; extrinsic; as, an object exterior to a man, opposed to what is within, or in his mind. "Without exterior help sustained." (Milton)

3. Relating to foreign nations; foreign; as, the exterior relations of a state or kingdom.

<geometry> Exterior angle, the side of the polygon upon which a front of fortification is formed.

Origin: L. Exterior, compar. Of exter or exterus on the outside, outward, foreign, strange, a compar. Fr. Ex: cf. F. Exterieur. See Ex, and cf. Extreme, Interior.

(01 Mar 1998)