surface

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsəːfɪs/

noun

  • 1the outside part or uppermost layer of something: the earth’s surface poor road surfaces
  • the level top of something: roll out the dough on a floured surface
  • (also surface area) the area of such an outer part or uppermost layer: the surface area of a cube
  • the upper limit of a body of liquid: fish floating on the surface of the water
  • [in singular] the outward appearance of someone or something, especially as distinct from less obvious aspects: Tom was a womanizer, but on the surface he remained respectable [as modifier]: surface appearances
  • 2 Geometry a continuous set of points that has length and breadth but no thickness.

adjective

[attributive]
  • relating to or found on the surface of something: surface layers
  • denoting ships which travel on the surface of the water as distinct from submarines: the surface fleet
  • carried by or denoting transportation by sea or overland rather than by air: surface mail

verb

  • 1 [no object] rise or come up to the surface of the water or the ground: he surfaced from his dive
  • come to people’s attention; become apparent: the row first surfaced two years ago
  • informal (of a person) appear after having been asleep: it was almost 11.30 before Anthony surfaced
  • 2 [with object] provide (something, especially a road) with a particular surface: a small path surfaced with terracotta tiles

Derivatives

surfaced

adjective
[often in combination]: a smooth-surfaced cylinder

surfacer

noun

Origin:

early 17th century: from French (see sur-1, face), suggested by Latin superficies