surface

¹sur·face

noun \ˈsər-fəs\

Definition of SURFACE

1

: the exterior or upper boundary of an object or body <on the surface of the water> <the earth's surface>

2

: a plane or curved two-dimensional locus of points (as the boundary of a three-dimensional region) <plane surface> <surface of a sphere>

3

a : the external or superficial aspect of something <trouble lurks below the surface> b : an external part or layer <sanded the rough surfaces>

— on the surface

: to all outward appearances

Examples of SURFACE

1. The painting's surface is covered with fine cracks.
2. The bowl has a shiny surface.
3. The surface of wood was rough.
4. Be careful of icy surfaces on the roads.

Origin of SURFACE

French, from Middle French, from sur- + face face, from Old French — more at face

First Known Use: circa 1600

Related to SURFACE

Synonyms: face, outside, shell, skin, exterior, veneer

Antonyms: inside, interior

Related Words: facade (also façade), front, top; cover, covering, facing; appearance, disguise, guise, mask, semblance, show

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