surface
surface Lexical Profile
surface Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The outside part or uppermost layer of something, such as a solid object, the earth, or a body of water.
"Leaves floated gently across the calm surface of the pond."
The outward appearance or superficial aspect of a person, situation, or idea as distinct from its underlying reality.
"On the surface, the proposal seemed straightforward, but it contained several legal complications."
A flat, level area, such as the top of a table, counter, or desk, used for working or placing objects.
"Please wipe down all the kitchen surfaces after preparing dinner."
In geometry, a continuous two-dimensional boundary or extent having length and breadth but no thickness.
"The students learned how to calculate the total area of a curved surface."
• verb
To rise or come up to the top of the water or the ground.
"The whale surfaced near the boat to take a breath before diving back into the ocean."
To become apparent, known, or public after being hidden, forgotten, or Dormant.
"New evidence surfaced during the archival research that changed historians' understanding of the treaty."
To provide a road, floor, or object with a particular upper layer or smooth outer finish.
"The municipality plans to surface the gravel road with asphalt before winter arrives."
• adjective
Relating to, occurring on, or operating along the upper or outer layer of the earth, land, or water, rather than underground or in the air.
"Strong surface winds made it difficult for the ferry to dock safely at the harbor."
Concerned only with what is obvious or immediately apparent, without examining deeper complexity.
"Despite some surface similarities, the two historical movements had vastly different goals."
• Rhymes for surface
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from French surface, formed from sur- ('above') and face ('face'), modeled on the Latin superficies ('upper side or outer layer').