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| sur·face [ súrfəss ] |
noun (plural sur·fac·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. outer part: the outermost or uppermost part of a thing, the one that is usually presented to the outside world, and can be seen and touched
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2. upper part of Earth, sea, water: the part of the Earth, the sea, or any water that meets the atmosphere
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3. solid flat area: a solid flat area, e.g. a countertop or the top of a piece of furniture, especially an area on which it is suitable to work
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4. thin applied outer layer: a relatively thin outer layer or coating applied to something, usually to give it a smooth finish
  a nonstick surface
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5. superficial part: the easily visible or apparent parts or aspects of something or somebody, or those that somebody or something chooses to display to the world, especially when contrasted with the actual reality of the person or thing
This surface of cool composure concealed a passionate heart.
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6. mathematics two-dimensional extent: a flat or curved continuous area definable in two dimensions
the surface of a sphere
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adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. used on surface: occurring or used on, or relating to, the surface of something
surface lubricants
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2. apparent: apparent, but not real, deep-seated, or well-founded, or put on for effect or to deceive and not natural or deeply felt
surface affection
The plan has surface appeal.
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3. on land or sea: operating or transported over land or sea but not in the air
surface transport
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4. not submarine: operating on the surface of the water, as opposed to being submersible
surface ships
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verb (past and past participle sur·faced, present participle sur·fac·ing, 3rd person present singular sur·fac·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. intransitive verb come to top: to come to or appear at the surface, especially of water
She surfaced after a dive of 20 minutes.
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2. intransitive verb appear: to reappear after being hidden or out of reach for a time
She surfaced in Berlin after the war.
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3. intransitive verb become known: to become apparent or known
The information surfaced during a routine investigation.
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4. transitive verb give surface to something: to provide something with a surface, especially with a smooth outer layer
surfacing the road
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5. transitive verb treat surface: to treat the surface of something, especially in order to smooth or perfect it
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6. intransitive verb work near top: to mine at or near the Earth's surface
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| [Early 17th century. < French< sur- "upon" + face (see face), after Latin superficies] |
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| sur·fac·er noun |
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on the surface to outward appearances or when examined superficially
appears cool and collected on the surface
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scratch the surface to deal with only a very small or relatively unimportant part of something
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