(chiefly in the plural) The exterior; outward features or appearances.

In the C programming language, a variable that is defined in the source code but whose value comes from some external source.

Outside of something; on the exterior.

“This building has some external pipework.”

Not intrinsic nor essential; accidental; accompanying; superficial.

Foreign; relating to or connected with foreign nations.

“external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom”