inner

Etymology

From Middle English inner, ynner, ynnere, from Old English innera, comparative of inne (“within”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁en.

adj

1. Being or occurring (farther) inside, situated farther in, located (situated) or happening on the inside of something, situated within or farther within contained within something.
   inner door; inner room; inner sanctum; inner surface
   As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels. 2013 July-August, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, “Stents to Prevent Stroke”, in American Scientist
2. Close to the centre, located near or closer to center.
   the inner suburbs
3. Inside or closer to the inside of the body.
   inner ear
4. Of mind or spirit, relating to the mind or spirit, to spiritual or mental processes, mental, spiritual, relating to somebody's private feelings or happening in somebody's mind, existing as an often repressed part of one's psychological makeup.
   inner confidence; inner strength; inner life; inner child; inner artist; inner peace; inner light
   I will try to express. My inner feeling and thankfulness. For showing me the meaning of success 1973, John Lennon, Out the Blue
   Bart spies an opportunity to make a quick buck so he channels his inner carny and posits his sinking house as a natural wonder of the world and its inhabitants as freaks, barking to dazzled spectators, “Behold the horrors of the Slanty Shanty! See the twisted creatures that dwell within! Meet Cue-Ball, the man with no hair!” May 20, 2012, Nathan Rabin, “TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “Marge Gets A Job” (season 4, episode 7; originally aired 11/05/1992)”, in The Onion AV Club
5. Not obvious, private, not expressed, not apparent, hidden, less apparent, deeper, obscure; innermost or essential; needing to be examined closely or thought about in order to be seen or understood.
   inner meaning; inner resources; inner logic
6. Privileged, more or most privileged, more or most influential, intimate, exclusive, more important, more intimate, private, secret, confined to an exclusive group, exclusive to a center; especially a center of influence being near a center especially of influence.
   inner circle; inner council
   Mother[…]considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres. 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 2, in A Cuckoo in the Nest

noun

1. An inner part.
2. (South Africa) A duvet, excluding the cover.
3. A forward who plays in or near the center of the field.
4. (cricket) A thin glove worn inside batting gloves or wicket-keeping gloves.
5. (UK politics) One who supports remaining in the European Union.
6. (military, firearms) The 2nd circle on a target, between the bull (or bull's eye) and magpie.