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interface

interface

34 5.1
A place where two areas or groups meet and interact
  • noun
  • /ˈɪntərˌfeɪs/
translation icon : interfaz
  • The electronics instructor could emphasize the interface between the sensors, supporting electronic devices, and the microcontroller.
  • interface stress
  • interface normal
  • interface shear

I mean, I think that it's the interface to the world of this project.

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Examples

  • Usually it is the interface between the floor and the wall.

  • Tangential shear force acts at the body-seat interface in all nine postures studied.

    Academic text (1992)
  • This is the interface of the two material.

  • I mean, I think that it's the interface to the world of this project.

  • So it's a much more natural interface for them.

  • What this figure illustrates is the extensive interface between very different value structures.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Both normal and shear stress exist at the interface, and both were measured in this research.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Understanding social and ecological dynamics at the human-environment interface requires a very broad range of knowledge.

    Academic text (2013)
  • I don't think I've seen an interface this unintuitive and cluttered.

  • The interface between the two surfaces makes it easier to understand their interaction.

Synonyms

boundary
vsinterface
232 3.1

A line or fence that marks the edge of an area and separates it from another

includes that limit but stresses interaction across or at the contact
junction
vsinterface
61 3.0

A place where several roads, rivers, or train tracks meet

focuses on interaction and contact rather than simply joining pieces
intersection
vsinterface
42 3.2

A point where different things or ideas meet

is about the boundary or place of interaction, not only overlap
intersection point
vsinterface
  • Specialized
1 3.5

A place where two lines, roads, or edges meet

is about areas of contact and interaction, not only a single point
oil-water interface
vsinterface
  • Specialized
6.1

The surface where oil and water meet but do not mix

is the general contact area between two things, including physical surfaces
crosspoint
vsinterface
  • Specialized
6.6

A point where two lines meet to make a connection in electronics or networks

is a broader contact zone between components beyond technical crossing
intercrossing
vsinterface
  • Specialized
6.5

A situation in which things pass over each other, like cables

emphasizes the meeting area or boundary rather than the crossing action

Antonyms

Being separate from people, things, or contact, for example losing internet

Compounds

user interface
  • Specialized
19 3.5

Part of a program on a screen that people use to control it

2 4.0

A screen with pictures and icons that you click to use a computer

1 6.7

A way to control a computer by typing text instructions

1 5.7

A connection that sends many bits at once between a computer and a device like a printer

A way for electronic instruments and computers to send musical data to each other

oil-water interface
  • Specialized
6.1

The surface where oil and water meet but do not mix

A common way to connect a computer to devices like printers or hard drives

How Connected

fusion
33 4.1
junction
61 3.0
interface
34 5.1
to overlap
25 3.5
boundary
232 3.1

Surface Forms

interface singular
interfaces plural

Morphology

interface = face (transparent) = inter + face

Meaning 'boundary or meeting surface' follows directly from 'inter-' (between) + 'face' (surface), so a B1 learner who knows the parts can derive it.

Etymology

Interface comes from the parts inter- 'between' and face 'surface'. So an interface is literally the 'surface between' two things, the place where they meet or interact.