interface

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​face ˈin-tər-ˌfās 

1

a

: the place at which independent and often unrelated systems meet and act on or communicate with each other

the man-machine interface

b

: the means by which interaction or communication is achieved at an interface

2

: a surface forming a common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases

an oil-water interface

interfacial

ˌin-tər-ˈfā-shəl 

adjective

interface

2 of 2

verb

interfaced; interfacing; interfaces

transitive verb

1

: to connect by means of an interface

interface a machine with a computer

2

: to serve as an interface for

intransitive verb

1

: to become interfaced

2

: to interact or coordinate harmoniously

Examples of interface in a Sentence

Noun

the interface between engineering and science

The software has a user interface that's easy to operate.

We installed an interface between the computer and the typesetting machine.

Verb

interface a machine with a computer

the point at which the two machines interface

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With its user-friendly interface and access to a wide range of investment options, including stocks, ETFs, and options for qualified traders, Robinhood allows users to build a diversified retirement portfolio tailored to their unique investment objectives. —Stephanie Tsai, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 May 2024

Everything changed for iPad recording in late 2022, when Apple ditched the Lightning port for USB-C, which finally allowed any class-compliant USB-C audio interface to join the party. —Pete Cottell, WIRED, 2 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1962, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing interface

• application program interface
• application programming interface
• graphical user interface
• user interface

Kids Definition

interface

1 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​face ˈint-ər-ˌfās 

1

: a surface forming a common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases

an interface between oil and water

2

a

: the place at which independent systems meet and act on or communicate with each other

b

: the ways by which interaction or communication is brought about at an interface

interfacial

ˌint-ər-ˈfā-shəl 

adjective

interface

2 of 2 verb

1

: to connect or become connected through an interface

2

: to serve as an interface for

Medical Definition

interface

noun

in·​ter·​face ˈint-ər-ˌfās 

: a surface forming a common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases

interfaces between various tissues such as skin, fatty tissue, and muscle

—H. P. Schwan

interface transitive verb

interfaced; interfacing

interfacial

ˌint-ər-ˈfā-shəl 

adjective