superficies

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the outer surface or external aspect of something

   The polish altered only the superficies of the metal.

2. 2
   noun

   a two-dimensional magnitude or surface forming the boundary of a solid

   The geometer calculated the superficies of the solid before finding its volume.

3. 3
   noun

   in civil law, a building or other construction attached to land

   Under the maxim, ownership of the soil carries ownership of the superficies.

Borrowed from Latin superficies, 'top or surface,' formed from super-, 'above,' + facies, 'form or face.' It is a learned doublet of surface and developed a specific Roman-law sense for structures joined to land.

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