buitenkanten

Buitenkanten is a Dutch term formed from buiten (outside) and kant (edge, side). It refers to the exterior parts of an object, as opposed to its interior. The exact meaning varies by context, but it generally denotes what lies on the outside or along the outer border.

In everyday language and crafts, buitenkanten describe the outer edges of objects. For example, the buitenkanten of a sheet of paper are its four edges along the margins. In sewing and fabric work, the buitenkanten of a piece of material are the outer edges that may require finishing to prevent fraying.

In architecture and construction, buitenkanten often refer to exterior surfaces or facades of a building. These outer surfaces are treated to resist weathering and to achieve the desired aesthetics. The term helps distinguish outer surfaces from interior walls, openings, or internal features.

In educational and design contexts, buitenkanten can be used to discuss the exterior boundary or outer region of a shape or object. However, in formal mathematics the precise terms for boundaries and exterior regions are expressed with standard terminology such as boundary (grens), exterior, or omtrek, depending on the concept.

See also: rand, grens, omtrek, exterior. Etymologically, buitenkanten reflects the general Dutch usage of buiten (outside) and kant (edge or side), and while common in everyday speech, it is less formal in technical disciplines.