/ ɪnˈtɜːnl; NAmE ɪnˈtɜːrnl/ adjective
1.
[ only before noun ] connected with the inside of sth :
the internal structure of a building
internal doors
OPP external
2.
[ only before noun ] connected with the inside of your body :
internal organs / injuries
The medicine is not for internal use .
OPP external
3.
[ usually before noun ] involving or concerning only the people who are part of a particular organization rather than people from outside it :
an internal inquiry
the internal workings of government
internal divisions within the company
OPP external
4.
[ only before noun ] connected with a country's own affairs rather than those that involve other countries
SYN domestic :
internal affairs / trade / markets
an internal flight (= within a country)
OPP external
5.
coming from within a thing itself rather than from outside it :
a theory which lacks internal consistency (= whose parts are not in agreement with each other)
Some photos contain internal evidence (= fashions, transport, etc.) that may help to date them.
6.
happening or existing in your mind
SYN inner :
internal rage
► in·tern·al·ly / -nəli; NAmE / adverb :
internally connected rooms
The new posts were only advertised internally.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 16th cent. (in the sense intrinsic ): from modern Latin internalis , from Latin internus inward, internal.