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

Other Word Forms

• exteriorly 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

The usually calm Potter exterior was replaced by a personality who looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders as a second high-profile Premier League failure unfolded.

From BBC

His rugged exterior softened by his piercing blue eyes and an almost shy smile disarmed her.

From Los Angeles Times

I met my hosts at the restaurant’s entrance, made to look like a pueblo plaza complete with a huge water fountain, towering church steeple and a pink exterior better suited for a spoonful of Pepto-Bismol.

From Los Angeles Times

The individual beans, which resemble shrunken dates due to their wrinkly dark exterior, can also be microplaned to create a fine powder, according to a guide from Great British Chefs.

From Salon

The project, if approved, would connect the Convention Center’s South Hall — whose curving green exterior faces the 10 and 110 freeway interchange — with the West Hall, which is a faded blue.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coating 
• facade 
• skin 
• surface