internal

Etymology

From Middle English internall, internalle, borrowing from New Latin internālis (“of or pertaining to the inner part”), from internus (“inward, internal”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix); equivalent to intern + -al.

adj

1. Of or situated on the inside.
   1. (medicine) Within the body.
      Her bleeding was internal.
   2. Concerned with the domestic affairs of a nation, state or other political community.
      The nation suffered from internal conflicts.
      the minister of internal affairs
   3. Concerned with the non-public affairs of a company or other organisation.
      An internal investigation was conducted.
   4. (biology) Present or arising within an organism or one of its parts.
      an internal stimulus
   5. (pharmacology) Applied or intended for application through the stomach by being swallowed.
      an internal remedy
2. Experienced in one's mind; inner rather than expressed.
   internal feelings
3. Of the inner nature of a thing.
4. (Britain, education, of a student) Attending a university as well as taking its examinations.