Surface /(?)/

Sur·face

Surface

n.
  1. The exterior part of anything that has length and breadth; one of the limits that bound a solid, esp. the upper face; superficies; the outside; as, the surface of the earth; the surface of a diamond; the surface of the body.
    The bright surface of this ethereous mold.
  2. Hence, outward or external appearance.
    Vain and weak understandings, which penetrate no deeper than the surface.
    — V. Knox.
  3. A magnitude that has length and breadth without thickness; superficies; as, a plane surface; a spherical surface. (Geom.)
  4. That part of the side which is terminated by the flank prolonged, and the angle of the nearest bastion. (Fort.)

Phrases & Compounds
Caustic surface
See under Caustic, Heating, etc.
Surface condensation
See under Condensation, and Condenser.
Surface gauge
an instrument consisting of a standard having a flat base and carrying an adjustable pointer, for gauging the evenness of a surface or its height, or for marking a line parallel with a surface.
Surface grub
the larva of the great yellow underwing moth (Triphoena pronuba). It is often destructive to the roots of grasses and other plants.
Surface plate
a plate having an accurately dressed flat surface, used as a standard of flatness by which to test other surfaces.
Surface printing
printing from a surface in relief, as from type, in distinction from plate printing, in which the ink is contained in engraved lines.

Surface

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Surfaced; p. pr. & vb. n. Surfacing

  1. To give a surface to; especially, to cause to have a smooth or plain surface; to make smooth or plain.
  2. To work over the surface or soil of, as ground, in hunting for gold.

Surface

v. i.
  1. To rise from the depths of a liquid to the surface; as, the submarine surfaced to recharge its batteries.
  2. To become known or public; -- said of information.
  3. To show up, as a person who was in hiding; as, he absconded with the payroll and surfaced in Argentina.