interface

[ noun in-ter-feys; verb in-ter-feys, in-ter-feys ]

noun

1. a surface regarded as the common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases.
2. the facts, problems, considerations, theories, practices, etc., shared by two or more disciplines, procedures, or fields of study:

   the interface between chemistry and physics.

3. a common boundary or interconnection between systems, equipment, concepts, or human beings.
4. communication or interaction:

   Interface between the parent company and its subsidiaries has never been better.

5. a thing or circumstance that enables separate and sometimes incompatible elements to coordinate effectively:

   The organization serves as an interface between the state government and the public.

6. computer hardware or software designed to communicate information between hardware devices, between software programs, between devices and programs, or between a device and a user.

verb (used with object)

, in·ter·faced, in·ter·fac·ing.

1. to bring into an interface.
2. to bring together; connect or mesh:

   The management is interfacing several departments with an information service from overseas.

verb (used without object)

, in·ter·faced, in·ter·fac·ing.

1. to be in an interface.
2. to function as an interface.
3. to meet or communicate directly; interact, coordinate, synchronize, or harmonize (often followed by with ):

   The two communications systems are able to interface with each other.

interface

/ ˌɪntəˈfeɪʃəl /

noun

1. chem a surface that forms the boundary between two bodies, liquids, or chemical phases
2. a common point or boundary between two things, subjects, etc
3. an electrical circuit linking one device, esp a computer, with another

verb

1. tr to design or adapt the input and output configurations of (two electronic devices) so that they may work together compatibly
2. to be or become an interface (with)
3. to be or become interactive (with)

interface

/ ĭn′tər-fās′ /

1. The point of interaction or communication between a computer and any other entity, such as a printer or human operator.
2. The layout of an application's graphic or textual controls in conjunction with the way the application responds to user activity.
3. See more at GUI

Derived Forms

• interfacial, adjective
• ˌinterˈfacially, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of interface¹

First recorded in 1880–85; inter- + face

Example Sentences

Much of Hydra’s interface would have looked familiar to anyone who’s used the dark web marketplace Silk Road or its myriad knock-off clones: you can glance through the forums and customer reviews to check which pills and powders will rock your socks off and which will leave you feeling worse than Uma Thurman in “Pulp Fiction.”

From Salon

Grindr’s unique user interface known as the grid allows for quick and abundant connections and avoids the swiping model that some users have grown tired of, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Now it defines how many people interface with the waking world in the modern age.

From Salon

The lawsuit against Dave accuses the company of charging “express fees” of $3 to $25 and misleading customers into giving the default tip of 15% through a deceptive interface on the app that links tips to “healthy meals” for children in need — when only a fraction of the tips go to charity.

From Los Angeles Times

The new features include notification summaries, tools to assist users in writing messages, and a glowing new interface for virtual assistant Siri.

From BBC

Related Words

• association
• channel
• contact
• element
• hookup
• network
• relationship
• tie