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surface

surface, area

noun soor-FAS Less Common

Origin: French sur + face

Also means

face, exterior

Usage Note

Surface is used in geometry for area (surface totale — total area) and also literally for the top layer of something. The phrase en surface means 'on the surface' or superficially. Faire surface is an idiom meaning to surface or come up for air (literally or figuratively).

Examples

"La surface de la table est lisse."

Natural Translation

The surface of the table is smooth.

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