outer

American  

[ou-ter] / ˈaʊ tər /

adjective

1. situated on or toward the outside; external; exterior.

   outer garments; an outer wall.

2. situated farther out or farther from the center.

   the outer reaches of space.

3. of or relating to the external world.

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outer British  

/ ˈaʊtə /

adjective

1. being or located on the outside; external

2. further from the middle or central part

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noun

1. archery

   1. the white outermost ring on a target

   2. a shot that hits this ring

2. the unsheltered part of the spectator area at a sports ground

3. informal excluded or neglected

Other Word Forms

• outerness noun

Etymology

Origin of outer

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; out, -er ⁴

Example Sentences

It originated near the outer region of the galaxy NGC 4141, located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.

From Science Daily

Computer simulations supported the findings, showing that the pulling force created by coordinated movement in the outer layers of the follicle was necessary to match the observed speed of hair growth.

From Science Daily

The inner parts of the Milky Way are far more hostile than its outer regions.

From Science Daily

That outer seasoning blooms in the heat, forming a savory crust that feels deliberate.

From Salon

The cuticle forms the protective outer layer of an ant's exoskeleton.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• exterior
• outlying