rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryouterOutside position or part
adjective / noun

outer

OUT-er/ˈaʊtər/

Situated toward or on the outside.

The child peels away the onion's outer layer, leaving the inner layers intact.

A child peels the outside layer from an onion while the intact inner layers remain nested inside it.
Etymology
outOld Englishout, outside
+erEnglishmore, farther

Outer combines out with a comparative ending, literally meaning “farther out.” It locates something farther from the inside or center, hence on or toward the outside.

In context

TED speaker0:40
The epidermis is the outer layer we can see.
5 Skin Health Myths to Stop Believing Now | Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter
Deep Look speaker1:03
The egg's rugged outer shell called the chorion
Tadpole Shrimp Are Coming For Your Rice | Deep Look

More examples

  • We sit near the outer edge of the crowd.
  • The jacket has a waterproof outer and a soft lining.
  • A cardboard outer holds the smaller boxes together.

Forms

outer · outers · outermost

outerwear noun — Clothing worn over other garments outdoors.

Similar words

external
Contrasts with internal without necessarily indicating distance from a center.
exterior
Often describes the outside surfaces of buildings or vehicles.
outside
A less formal alternative for an outward-facing surface or part.