Definition of exterior

The word "exterior" originated in Middle English during the 14th century. It derives from the Latin word "exterius," meaning "outside or external." The Latin root of "exterius" can be broken down into two parts: "ex-," meaning "out," and "ter-," meaning "turn." So, "exterius" literally means "turned outwards." The use of "exterius" in Latin specifically referred to the outer part of a building, distinguishing it from the interior. This meaning carried over into Old French, where it was used in a similar way. In Middle English, the word "exterior" was first recorded in the 14th century, but it was not commonly used until several centuries later. The word's spelling also evolved during this time, with the "x" becoming an "ex" in the Middle English period. Today, the word "exterior" is commonly used to describe the outer part of a building, object, or environment. It is used in contrast to "interior" to distinguish between the inner and outer parts of something.