US /ˈsɜɹ.fəs/ UK /ˈsɜː.fɪs/
noun verb adj Freq #2299

Meanings

  1. 1
    noun

    The outer or top layer of something.

    The table has a smooth, shiny surface.

  2. 2
    noun

    The top of an area of water or land.

    Bubbles rose to the surface of the pond.

  3. 3
    noun

    The outward appearance of something, as opposed to its true nature.

    On the surface he seemed calm, but inside he was nervous.

  4. 4
    verb

    To rise to the top of water, or to become known or visible.

    The diver surfaced after two minutes.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
oversidesuperfice
Word family
Forms surfacedsurfacessurfacing
Derived forms air-to-surfaceantisurfacearchaeosurfacecavosurfacecountersurfacedesurfaceeigensurfaceergosurfacehypersurfaceintersurfaceisosurfaceland-surface
Related forms surficial

Etymology

From Middle French surface. By surface analysis, sur- + face. Doublet of superficies.

View etymology graph ->

Topics

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