interface

American  

[in-ter-feys, in-ter-feys, in-ter-feys] / ˈɪn tərˌfeɪs, ˈɪn tərˌfeɪs, ˌɪn tərˈfeɪs /

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.

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verb (used with object)

interfaced, interfacing

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)

interfaced, interfacing

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 bywith ).

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

interface British  

/ 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

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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 Scientific  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• interfacial adjective
• interfacially adverb

Etymology

Origin of interface

First recorded in 1880–85; inter- + face

Example Sentences

Its interface is clean and minimal, designed for both beginners and advanced users.

From Salon

That went toward subscriptions to AI tools from Google, Anthropic and OpenAI, as well as fees to access their models directly through application programming interfaces, or APIs.

From The Wall Street Journal

The proposed law specifically applies to homes damaged in urban or “wildland-urban interface” fires — such as those in January 2025 — where burning structures, cars, utilities and other items generate more toxins than a rural wildfire.

From Los Angeles Times

Milton said the new plane will feature a touch screen cockpit interface the company is designing itself.

From The Wall Street Journal

CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks are platform providers, which means they integrate multiple security tools into a centralized interface.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• advertise
• broadcast
• connect
• contact
• convey
• correspond
• disclose
• disseminate
• get across
• get through
• impart
• inform
• interact
• pass on
• publicize
• reach out
• relate
• reveal
• suggest
• tell