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

But Schneider’s normcore exterior belies an undercurrent of intensity: There’s a particular, obsessive mindset required to conceive of and execute such an ambitious public expedition every year over two decades.

From Los Angeles Times

Available in the signature pink shade of the hotel’s façade or a green hue that references the exterior accent colors , both versions are emblazoned with the hotel’s fancy, crest-like logo.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, the vice president is the first politician to advertise her campaign on the 580,000-square-foot LED exterior of the Sphere, a dramatic new entertainment venue near the Las Vegas Strip.

From Los Angeles Times

For example, instead of holding a huge rally across the street or nearby the Democratic Party’s response was to project the words “Trump praised Hitler” on the exterior of Madison Square Garden.

From Salon

For years, researchers have pursued the idea of improving the reflectivity of paint on exterior walls or roofs, since this could help keep buildings cool on hot, sunny days.

From BBC

Related Words

• coating
• facade
• skin
• surface