noun / verb / adjective
surface
SUR-fis/ˈsɜːrfɪs/
The exposed outer layer.
The leaf floats on the water's surface above the visible depths.
Etymology
Combining “above” with “face” gives the image of an object's outward-facing boundary. This explains why surface names its outer or top layer rather than its interior.
In context
this painting was very very dirty with an accumulated layer of surface grime most likely soot and candle smoke dust dirt probably a little bit of tobacco smoke
More examples
- The whale surfaces beside the boat.
- New details surface as the investigation continues.
- Surface similarities hide important differences between the two plans.
Forms
surface · surfaces · surfaced · surfacing
Similar words
- exterior
- Emphasizes the outside of something, especially a building or object.
- top
- Means the highest part, not any exposed outer layer.
- superficial
- Describes outward appearances or a lack of deeper understanding.