- surface
- 1
adjective (only before noun)
appearing to be true or real, but not representing what someone really feels or what something is really like; superficial: The surface calm of the city was shattered by a massive explosion. | surface resemblance
2
noun (C)
1 WATER/LAND the top layer of an area of water or land: the Earth's surface | Pieces of trash were floating on the surface of the river. | the surface of the road2 TOP LAYER the outside or top layer of an object: a frying pan with a non-stick surface3 on the surface if someone or something is calm, nice etc on the surface, they seem that way until you know them better: On the surface Mrs Lewis seemed nice enough but she had a nasty temper at times.4 below/beneath/under the surface if an emotion or quality is below, beneath, under the surface, it is not easy to notice at first: I sensed a lot of tension and jealousy beneath the surface.5 come/rise to the surface if unpleasant feelings or attitudes come or rise to the surface they become noticeable after being hidden: Violence and prejudice have risen to the surface in a lot of inner-city areas.6 FOR WORKING ON an area on a desk, table etc used for working: Make sure all kitchen surfaces are clean and tidy.7 SIDE OF AN OBJECT technical one of the sides of an object: How many surfaces does a cube have?—see also: scratch the surface scratch 1 (7) 3 verb1 (I) to rise to the surface of water: The bird dived and didn't surface for at least a minute.2 (I) if information or feelings surface, they become known after being hidden: A few personality clashes have surfaced within the department.3 (I) humorous to get up, especially after being in bed for a long time: Joe never surfaces before midday on Sunday.4 (T) to put a surface on a road
Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.