surface
UK: ˈsɜː.fɪs | US: ˈsɜːr.fɪs
n. the outer or topmost boundary or layer of an object
vt. to rise to or appear at the surface
vt. to apply an outer layer or finish to something
surface = sur<above> + face<front>
- sur (from Latin super, meaning "above" or "over")
- face (from Latin facies, meaning "front" or "appearance")
Etymology Origin:
The word surface originates from Old French sur (above) + face (front), combining to denote the "outer layer" or "top side" of an object. The Latin roots super and facies reflect the concept of something being visibly present or accessible on the top or exterior. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe emerging phenomena (e.g., "issues surfaced") and the act of coating (e.g., "to surface a road").
The submarine rose to the surface of the ocean.
Dust had settled on the surface of the furniture.
New evidence began to surface during the investigation.
Workers will surface the road with fresh asphalt.
Beneath his calm surface, he was deeply troubled.