26984 words

surface

16 definitions • 24 examples
1
the outer or top part or layer of something:

Examples:

Tropical rain forests used to cover ten percent of the earth's surface.
The marble has a smooth, shiny surface.
Neil Armstrong was the first person to set foot on the surface of the moon.
2
the top layer of a field or track on which sports are played:

Examples:

The match will be played on an artificial/all-weather surface.
3
the flat top part of a table, cupboard, etc.:

Examples:

a work surface
Don't put anything wet on a polished surface, or it will leave a mark.
4
The surface of a situation or person is what they appear to be, or the features they have that are not hidden or difficult to see:

Examples:

On the surface, this seems like a difficult problem, but in fact there's an easy solution to it.
Beneath/Below/Under the surface of contemporary West Indian life lurk memories of slavery.
Suddenly, all her anger came/rose to the surface (= became obvious).
5
to rise to the surface of water:

Examples:

The submarine surfaced a few miles off the coast.
6
to cover a road or other area with a hard surface
7

Examples:

Doubts are beginning to surface about whether the right decision has been made.
A rumour has surfaced that the company is about to go out of business.
8
to get out of bed:

Examples:

He never surfaces until at least 11.00 a.m. on a Sunday.
9
working or operating on the top of the land or sea, rather than under the land or sea, or by air
10
appearing in a particular way but not always showing the truth:

Examples:

his surface appearance of calm confidence
11
the outer or top part or layer of something:

Examples:

the earth’s surface
a rough/smooth surface
Try to find a level surface on the ground where you can spread out your sleeping bags.
There was very little wind, and the surface of the water was calm.
12
A surface is also a flat shape or area.
13
The surface can also be what is obvious about a person or situation rather than truer or more important facts that are hidden or hard to see:

Examples:

But the fear that lurks just below the surface emerges quickly in talks with villagers.
That may seem absurd on the surface, but in a few years it will seem like wisdom.
14
to appear at the surface of something:

Examples:

The ducks would dive to the bottom of the lake and surface a minute or two later yards away.
15

Examples:

This story first surfaced about a week ago.
16
using the surface of the land or sea:

Examples:

When you land in the airport, look for signs directing you to surface transportation to get a bus to the city.
If you send it overseas by surface mail, it will take forever.

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