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surface (n.)

1610s, from French surface "an outermost boundary, outside part" (16c.), from Old French sur- "above" (see sur-) + face (see face (n.)). Patterned on Latin superficies "surface, upper side, top" (see superficial). As an adjective from 1660s.

surface (v.)

"come to the surface," 1898, from surface (n.). Earlier it meant "bring to the surface" (1885), and "to give something a (polished) surface" (1778). Related: Surfaced; surfacing.

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Definitions of surface from WordNet
1
surface (n.)
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary;
there is a special cleaner for these surfaces
the cloth had a pattern of red dots on a white surface
surface (n.)
the extended two-dimensional outer boundary of a three-dimensional object;
the sun has no distinct surface
a brush small enough to clean every dental surface
they skimmed over the surface of the water
surface (n.)
the outermost level of the land or sea;
earthquakes originate far below the surface
three quarters of the Earth's surface is covered by water
Synonyms: Earth's surface
surface (n.)
a superficial aspect as opposed to the real nature of something;
it was not what it appeared to be on the surface
surface (n.)
information that has become public;
the facts had been brought to the surface
Synonyms: open
surface (n.)
a device that provides reactive force when in motion relative to the surrounding air; can lift or control a plane in flight;
Synonyms: airfoil / aerofoil / control surface
2
surface (v.)
come to the surface;
Synonyms: come up / rise up / rise
surface (v.)
put a coat on; cover the surface of; furnish with a surface;
Synonyms: coat
surface (v.)
appear or become visible; make a showing;
I hope the list key is going to surface again
Synonyms: come on / come out / turn up / show up
3
surface (adj.)
on the surface;
surface materials of the moon
From wordnet.princeton.edu