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 exterior walls are his signature salmon pink and the toilets are almost a century old.

From Los Angeles Times

This late 19th Century detached hillside house in the East Sussex town has been extended with a series of timber-framed rooms and industrial exterior features including a concrete yard and galvanised steel staircase.

From BBC

The building's exterior was the last thing we were able to film.

From BBC

The jersey features a Sol, or yellow, horn on the shoulder, and white numbers that include small perforations that represent the exterior of SoFi Stadium roof.

From Los Angeles Times

One was the Grand Canyon Lodge, originally designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood with a Spanish-style exterior.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• coating 
• facade 
• skin 
• surface