interface

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

/ noun ˈɪn tərˌfeɪs; verb ˈɪn tərˌfeɪs, ˌɪn tərˈfeɪs /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR interface ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a surface regarded as the common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases.

the facts, problems, considerations, theories, practices, etc., shared by two or more disciplines, procedures, or fields of study: the interface between chemistry and physics.

a common boundary or interconnection between systems, equipment, concepts, or human beings.

communication or interaction: Interface between the parent company and its subsidiaries has never been better.

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.

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.

to bring into an interface.

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.

to be in an interface.

to function as an interface.

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.

Words nearby interface

interest rate, interest-rate futures, interested, interesterification, interesting, interface, interfacial, interfacial canal, interfacial tension, interfacing, interfaith

Origin of interface

First recorded in 1880–85; inter- + face

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for interface

This borderland—the interface of human activity and wild habitat—is the most dangerous region of all for bears.
What It Takes to Kill a Grizzly Bear|Doug Peacock|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It serves as the heart of the collective works, as an interface between the cosmos and humanity.
The Tiniest Jackson Pollock|Justin Jones|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Apple also created the preferred devices for accessing this interface, and the music it channeled.
Apple Wants Beats So It Can Control You|Ted Gioia|May 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The interface was great, really user-friendly, really clear.
Why Obamacare Could Help the Democrats in 2014|Michael Tomasky|December 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST

State exchanges are given the option to interface with so-called “web-based entities.”
Obamacare’s Rollout Is a Disaster That Didn’t Have to Happen|Gregory Ferenstein|October 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The interaction of the user with the machine is translated by interface programs into whatever a machine can process.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
The various concerns raised so far only reiterate how important it is to understand the nature of interface processes.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
Instead of supporting better interactions, an interface can hamper them and affect the outcome of computing.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
Natural language accomplished the function of interface long before the notion came into existence.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
There remains the question of the precipitation of the tanning colloid at the interface.
Animal Proteins|Hugh Garner Bennett

British Dictionary definitions for interface

interface

noun (ˈɪntəˌfeɪs)

chem a surface that forms the boundary between two bodies, liquids, or chemical phases

a common point or boundary between two things, subjects, etc

an electrical circuit linking one device, esp a computer, with another

verb (ˌɪntəˈfeɪs)

(tr) to design or adapt the input and output configurations of (two electronic devices) so that they may work together compatibly

to be or become an interface (with)

to be or become interactive (with)

Derived forms of interface

interfacial (ˌɪntəˈfeɪʃəl), adjectiveinterfacially, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012