surface
• noun 1 the outside part or uppermost layer of something. 2 the upper limit of a body of liquid. 3 outward appearance as distinct from less obvious aspects. • adjective 1 relating to or occurring on the surface. 2 (of transportation) by sea or overland as contrasted with by air. 3 outward or superficial: surface politeness. • verb 1 rise or come up to the surface. 2 become apparent. 3 provide (something, especially a road) with a particular surface. 4 informal appear after having been asleep. — ORIGIN French, from sur- ‘above’ + face ‘form, appearance, face’.
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