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Dictionary Language resources

extern

Syllabification: (ex·tern)

Pronunciation: /ˈekstərn/

Definition of extern

noun

1a person working in but not living in an institution, such as nonresident doctor or other worker in a hospital.

2(in a strictly enclosed order of nuns) a sister who does not live exclusively within the enclosure and goes on outside errands.

Derivatives

externship

Origin:

mid 16th century (as an adjective in the sense 'external'): from French externe or Latin externus, from exter 'outer'. The word was used by Shakespeare to mean 'outward appearance'; current senses date from the early 17th century