The term EXTERNAL FORM can be broken down into two crossword solutions: FIGURE (6 letters) and SHAPE (5 letters). FIGURE is a term used to describe a two-dimensional representation of an object, such as a drawing or diagram. SHAPE is a term used to describe the form or outline of an object, such as a circle or square. Together, these two terms refer to the external form of an object, which is its visible structure or appearance.