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interface

interface

111 4.6
A screen or controls that let a person use a computer program
  • noun
  • /ˈɪntərˌfeɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : interfaz
  • It's a simple command-line interface.
  • user interface
  • graphical interface
  • web interface

It gave us a desktop interface that's there to hide the truth, right?

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Examples

  • It has the same interface designed as Inbox.

  • This is the worst interface I have ever seen.

  • OK, so as you guys can see, the interface is extremely cool.

  • You have a direct interface to the user as well.

  • This is not about about creating a web interface, but we did create an interface.

  • It's like a search interface.

  • The software interface is what provides you, the user, the ability to control the hardware, the computer.

  • For many of these applications, our interactive interface allows the user to receive feedback in seconds.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Software developers regularly update graphical user interfaces and enhance their data capture capabilities.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The software's interface allows users to easily navigate through different features.

Synonyms

terminal
vsinterface
  • Specialized
57 5.7

A device with a screen and keyboard for using a computer

is the general system that focuses on interaction software rather than physical access
user interface
vsinterface
  • Specialized
19 3.5

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

is the general program or system that enables interaction by visual or text displays
GUI
vsinterface
  • Specialized
13 4.1

A screen interface with windows, icons, and menus you use with a mouse or keyboard

is the general system covering both visual and text interaction types
command line
vsinterface
  • Specialized
8 4.8

A place where you type text commands to control a computer

is the general system that enables interaction through different display types
CLI
vsinterface
  • Specialized
3 7.9

A program where you type commands to control a computer

is the general system that covers both visual and typed interaction methods
graphical user interface
vsinterface
  • Specialized
2 4.0

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

is broader naming any system that enables interaction beyond visual ones
command line interface
vsinterface
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A way to control a computer by typing text instructions

is the general system that covers both text based and visual interaction

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 Visual

touch screen
19 2.7
graphical user interface
  • Specialized
2 4.0
interface
  • Specialized
111 4.6
menu
  • Specialized
117 1.2
command line interface
  • Specialized
1 6.7

Surface Forms

interface singular
interfaces plural

Morphology

interface = face (semi-transparent) = inter + face

The computing sense is a metaphorical extension of 'boundary or point of contact' (between user and system) and is somewhat specialized, so learners may not fully infer the technical meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Interface comes from the parts inter- 'between' and face 'surface'. In computing an interface is the 'face' between you and the computer, the screen and controls you use to interact with the system.