The inner workings, components, or mechanisms of a system, machine, or organization. The internal parts or processes that are typically hidden from external view.
From 'internal' plus the plural suffix '-s'. 'Internal' comes from Latin 'internus' meaning inward or interior, from 'inter' (between, within). The plural form 'internals' developed in technical contexts to refer collectively to inner components or mechanisms, particularly in engineering and computing.
The word 'internals' reflects our human fascination with understanding what lies beneath the surface - whether we're talking about engine internals, software internals, or even organizational internals. It's a technical term that's become metaphorical, representing the hidden complexity that makes things work, much like how we use 'under the hood' to mean the same thing.
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