Surface Definition

sûrfəs
surfaced, surfaces, surfacing
noun
surfaces
The outer face, or exterior, of an object.
Webster's New World
A material layer constituting such a boundary.
American Heritage
Any of the faces of a solid.
Webster's New World
The boundary of a three-dimensional figure.
American Heritage
The area or extent of such a face.
Webster's New World
Antonyms:
adjective
Of, on, or at the surface.
Webster's New World
Relating to or occurring on or near the surface of the earth.
American Heritage
Intended to function or be carried on land or sea, rather than in the air or under water.
Surface forces, surface mail.
Webster's New World
Merely apparent; external; superficial.
Webster's New World
Apparent as opposed to real.
American Heritage
verb
surfaced, surfaces, surfacing
To give a surface to, as in paving.
Webster's New World
To bring to the surface; esp., to bring (a submarine) to the surface of the water.
Webster's New World
To make known; expose or reveal.
The first news report that surfaced the allegations.
American Heritage
To rise to the surface of the water.
Webster's New World
To appear or become known, esp. after having been concealed; come to light.
Webster's New World
Antonyms:
idiom
on the surface
  • To all intents and purposes; to all outward appearances:

    a soldier who, on the surface, appeared brave and patriotic.

American Heritage
on the surface
  • To all intents and purposes; to all outward appearances:

    a soldier who, on the surface, appeared brave and patriotic.

American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Surface

Noun

Singular:
surface
Plural:
surfaces

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Surface

Origin of Surface

  • French sur- above (from Old French sur–) face face (from Old French face)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • French sur- above (from Old French sur–) face face (from Old French face)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From French surface.

    From Wiktionary

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