exterior

[ ik-steer-ee-er ]

adjective

1. outer; being on the outer side:

   the exterior surface; exterior decorations.

   Synonyms: superficial, external, outside, outward

   Antonyms: interior

2. intended or suitable for outdoor use:

   exterior paint.

3. situated or being outside; pertaining to or connected with what is outside:

   the exterior territories of a country.

   Synonyms: extrinsic, foreign, extraneous, outlying

noun

1. the outer surface or part; outside.

   Synonyms: face

   Antonyms: interior

2. outward form or appearance:

   She has a placid exterior, but inside she is tormented.

   Synonyms: aspect, mien

3. Mathematics. the collection of points not contained in the closure of a given set.

exterior

/ ɪkˈstɪərɪə /

noun

1. a part, surface, or region that is on the outside
2. the observable outward behaviour or appearance of a person
3. a film or scene shot outside a studio

adjective

1. of, situated on, or suitable for the outside

   exterior cleaning

2. coming or acting from without; external

   exterior complications

3. of or involving foreign nations

Derived Forms

• exˈteriorly, adverb

Other Words From

• ex·teri·or·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of exterior¹

1525–35; < Latin, comparative of exter or exterus on the outside, outward. See ex- ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of exterior¹

C16: from Latin, comparative of exterus on the outside, from ex out of

Example Sentences

Rights groups say the exterior of the complex is known to be heavily mined.

From BBC

Tricia, long jealous of Sam’s relationship with Holly, has built around her life a brittle exterior that inevitably shatters.

From Los Angeles Times

Look for a cast iron medallion of a bulldog on the building’s exterior to indicate you’re in the right place.

From Salon

"To keep the Venusian atmosphere stable, then any chemicals being removed from the atmosphere should also be getting restored to it, since the planet's interior and exterior are in constant chemical communication with one another."

From Science Daily

Craig is known for playing characters with a tough exterior, and in that way, “Queer” is a novel film for the seasoned actor.

From Salon

Related Words

• coating
• facade
• skin
• surface