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

The volume control is done through the infotainment system’s touch screen interface, with the knob acting as a virtual finger turning circles on the screen to raise and lower volume.

From Popular-Science

The thing is, Google is always testing new interfaces, new designs, new features and releasing tweaks and changes to its ranking algorithm that are unconfirmed.

From Search Engine Land

A Web shell is an interface that allows hackers to execute standard commands on Web servers once the servers have been compromised.

From Ars Technica

Google has been expanding its roll out and test of dark mode or dark theme for the company’s search interface.

From Search Engine Land

The first thing you’ll notice is the large, color touch screen interface.

From Popular-Science

This borderland—the interface of human activity and wild habitat—is the most dangerous region of all for bears.

From The Daily Beast

It serves as the heart of the collective works, as an interface between the cosmos and humanity.

From The Daily Beast

Apple developed the best music interface, and the labels just watched it happen.

From The Daily Beast

Cryptocat, with its simple and clean interface, has attracted those users more interested in security than security software.

From The Daily Beast

Apple also created the preferred devices for accessing this interface, and the music it channeled.

From The Daily Beast

There remains the question of the precipitation of the tanning colloid at the interface.

From Project Gutenberg

The ports, with the exception of the Expansion Interface port, are also covered by removable Doors.

From Project Gutenberg

The Power switch is recessed into the front of the Expansion Interface to prevent accidental loss of power.

From Project Gutenberg

A memory scope would eliminate the need for a disk-to-CRT display interface.

From Project Gutenberg

It should be especially remembered that the inequality of concentration is in the sol, on the liquid side of the interface.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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