Search results for 'surface':

surface noun 1 a the upper or outer side of anything, often with regard to texture or appearance; b the size or area of such a side. 2 the upper level of a body or container of liquid or of the land. 3 the external appearance of something, as opposed to its underlying reality • On the surface everything seems fine. 4 math a geometric figure that is two-dimensional, having length and breadth but no depth. 5 as adj a at, on or relating to a surface • surface mail; b superficial • surface appearances. verb (surfaced, surfacing) 1 intrans to rise to the surface of a liquid. 2 intrans to become apparent; to come to light • The scandal first surfaced in the press. 3 intrans, colloq to get out of bed • never surfaces till the afternoon. 4 to give the desired finish or texture to the surface of something. surfaced adj. surfacer noun. surfacing noun. come to the surface 1 to rise to the top (of a liquid, body of water, etc) • The seal came to the surface for air. 2 to become known, especially after having been hidden • The press made sure the scandal came to the surface. scratch the surface 1 to begin to have a superficial understanding of or effect on something • measures that only scratch the surface of the drugs problem. 2 to begin to investigate • You only need to scratch the surface to discover the sleaze.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: French, from sur on + face face.

surface noun 1 a the upper or outer side of anything, often with regard to texture or appearance; b the size or area of such a side. 2 the upper level of a body or container of liquid or of the land. 3 the external appearance of something, as opposed to its underlying reality • On the surface everything seems fine. 4 math a geometric figure that is two-dimensional, having length and breadth but no depth. 5 as adj a at, on or relating to a surface • surface mail; b superficial • surface appearances. verb (surfaced, surfacing) 1 intrans to rise to the surface of a liquid. 2 intrans to become apparent; to come to light • The scandal first surfaced in the press. 3 intrans, colloq to get out of bed • never surfaces till the afternoon. 4 to give the desired finish or texture to the surface of something. surfaced adj. surfacer noun. surfacing noun. come to the surface 1 to rise to the top (of a liquid, body of water, etc) • The seal came to the surface for air. 2 to become known, especially after having been hidden • The press made sure the scandal came to the surface. scratch the surface 1 to begin to have a superficial understanding of or effect on something • measures that only scratch the surface of the drugs problem. 2 to begin to investigate • You only need to scratch the surface to discover the sleaze.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: French, from sur on + face face.

surface noun 1 a the upper or outer side of anything, often with regard to texture or appearance; b the size or area of such a side. 2 the upper level of a body or container of liquid or of the land. 3 the external appearance of something, as opposed to its underlying reality • On the surface everything seems fine. 4 math a geometric figure that is two-dimensional, having length and breadth but no depth. 5 as adj a at, on or relating to a surface • surface mail; b superficial • surface appearances. verb (surfaced, surfacing) 1 intrans to rise to the surface of a liquid. 2 intrans to become apparent; to come to light • The scandal first surfaced in the press. 3 intrans, colloq to get out of bed • never surfaces till the afternoon. 4 to give the desired finish or texture to the surface of something. surfaced adj. surfacer noun. surfacing noun. come to the surface 1 to rise to the top (of a liquid, body of water, etc) • The seal came to the surface for air. 2 to become known, especially after having been hidden • The press made sure the scandal came to the surface. scratch the surface 1 to begin to have a superficial understanding of or effect on something • measures that only scratch the surface of the drugs problem. 2 to begin to investigate • You only need to scratch the surface to discover the sleaze.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: French, from sur on + face face.