inter-, intero-
Although abstracted from the many compounds in which it entered English, the form inter- was not generally considered a living prefix in English until the 1400s.
During the later period of Middle English many words borrowed in the Old and Middle French forms entre-, enter- began to be consciously respelled with Latin inter-; although vestiges of the older French borrowings are found in entertain and enterprise.
The living prefix inter- is now freely added to almost any element in English to create such formations with the meaning of "between" and "among". The words formed by intra- are closely related to this inter- prefix; in fact, they both apparently came from the same Latin source.
inter-mural, intermural; intramural
inter-mural, intermural (in tuhr MYOOR uhl) (
adjective)
Describing the involvement of participants between two or more educational institutions, athletic clubs, or other groups; literally, "between the walls": There were friendly inter-mural debates scheduled among the rival schools.
Concerning something which exists or is carried on within the bounds of an institution; especially, a school, athletic club, or a group; literally, "within the walls": Kevin signed up to play intramural soccer at his school.
The winner of the intramural sports competition at each of the universities then played an inter-mural game to determine the overall championship.
internal ophthalmopathy
(s) (noun), internal ophthalmopathies
(pl)
Any illness of the internal structures of the eyeball: Internal ophthalmopathy concerns the diseases of the lens, the retina, or of any other internal parts of the eye.
internal ophthalmoplegia, ophthalmoplegia interna
Paralysis affecting only the sphincter muscle (ringlike band of muscle fibers) of the eye pupil and the ciliary muscle (smooth muscle).
internal reference electrode
In chemistry, the metal electrode inside all chemical-sensing potentiometric (voltage-measuring) electrodes.
international
(adjective), more international, most international
1. Relating to, or involving two or more countries: An
international commission or an
international cooperation are two examples Joan found in her dictionary regarding this adjective.
2. A reference to extending across or transcending the boundaries of nations: The tennis champion had
international fame.
The adjective international mostly pertains to something such as a company, a language, or an organization that involves more than a single country.
international, intranational
international (in" tuhr NASH uh nuhl, in" tuhr NASH nuhl) (
adjective)
Relating to or consisting of two or more independent countries: Virginia went to school to study international commerce.
intranational (in" truh NASH uh nuhl; in" truh NASH nuhl) (
adjective)
Relating to something which exists or occurs within the boundaries of a single country, rather than involving different sovereign states: Voting for the President of the United States is an intranational event and so participation by other nations is not permitted.
The outcome of the intranational elections in the country had international implications for trade and commerce.
internationalism
(s) (noun), internationalisms
(pl)
Multiple countries working together on common issues: Internationalism can be a political movement that advocates greater economic and political cooperation among nations.
internationalist
(s) (noun), internationalists
(pl)
1. A person who believes that different countries should help and be amiable with each other: The opinions of the internationalists printed in the newspaper column were read by all of the residents in the town.
2. A specialist in the laws and relations of foreign countries: Jim's neighbour is an internationalist who works primarily for the nations of the Far East.
internationalization
(s) (noun), internationalizations
(pl)
The process of bringing something under the control of certain countries: Internationalization of the music world was promoted and brought on a convergence of musicians from all over the world, some of whom came from far-away nations.
internationalize
(verb), internationalizes; internationalized; internationalizing
1. To make global or cosmopolitan: In the book, Mr. Hathaway wanted to internationalize the concept and creation of governing institutions and democratic systems.
2. To put a place under the security of two or more countries: At the end of the war, the large city was internationalized by different nations in order to protect the citizens.
internationally
(adverb), more internationally, most internationally
Pertaining to how something is done or achieved in a global way; throughout the world: Lynn thought that Hercule Poirot was the internationally famous detective in Agatha Christie's stories.
Related "together" units:
com-;
greg-;
struct-.
Cross references of word families related directly, or indirectly, to: "internal organs, entrails, inside":
ent-;
enter-;
fistul-;
incret-;
intra-;
splanchn-;
viscer-.
