surface
UK/ˈsɜrfɪs/US/'sә:fis/
NGSL 2kIELTSTOEFLB1
Definitions
n.
The outer or top layer of something; its outward appearance.
表面；外表。
v.
To rise to the surface; to come to light or become known.
浮出水面；显露，曝光。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedsur- (over, above) + face (outward form) = 'the form on top.' A surface is literally the over-face — the layer above everything else. The verb 'to surface' (rise to the top) and the figurative 'problems surface' (come up into view) both follow from this image of the topmost face.
Root fac still carries 273 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.on the surface表面上；从表面看
- 2.surface area表面积
- 3.come to the surface浮出水面；显露
- 4.scratch the surface浅尝辄止；触及皮毛
- 5.surface water地表水
Example Sentences
- 1.
The table has a smooth, polished surface.
- 2.
The submarine surfaced near the coast.
- 3.
New evidence has surfaced in the investigation.