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adj. 1. Of, relating to, or located within the limits or surface; inner. 2. Residing in or dependent on essential nature; intrinsic: the internal contradictions of the theory. 3. Located, acting, or effective within the body. 4. Of or relating to mental or spiritual nature: "An internal sense of righteousness dwindles into an external concern for reputation" (A.R. Gurney, Jr.) 5. Of or relating to the domestic affairs of a nation, group, or business. [Middle English internall, from Old French internel, from Medieval Latin internālis, from Latin internus, from inter, within; see en in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] in′ter·nali·ty (-nălĭ-tē) n. in·ternal·ly adv. |
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