interface
Americannoun
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a surface regarded as the common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases.
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the facts, problems, considerations, theories, practices, etc., shared by two or more disciplines, procedures, or fields of study.
the interface between chemistry and physics.
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a common boundary or interconnection between systems, equipment, concepts, or human beings.
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communication or interaction.
Interface between the parent company and its subsidiaries has never been better.
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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.
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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)
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to bring into an interface.
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to bring together; connect or mesh.
The management is interfacing several departments with an information service from overseas.
verb (used without object)
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to be in an interface.
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to function as an interface.
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to meet or communicate directly; interact, coordinate, synchronize, or harmonize (often followed bywith ).
The two communications systems are able to interface with each other.
noun
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chem a surface that forms the boundary between two bodies, liquids, or chemical phases
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a common point or boundary between two things, subjects, etc
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an electrical circuit linking one device, esp a computer, with another
verb
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(tr) to design or adapt the input and output configurations of (two electronic devices) so that they may work together compatibly
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to be or become an interface (with)
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to be or become interactive (with)
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The point of interaction or communication between a computer and any other entity, such as a printer or human operator.
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The layout of an application's graphic or textual controls in conjunction with the way the application responds to user activity.
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See more at GUI
Other Word Forms
- interfacial adjective
- interfacially adverb
Etymology
Origin of interface
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By understanding what happens at the atomic interface, they have turned an unexpected result into a principle that could guide future designs.
From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026
Brain-computer interfaces exist today, but many of them rely on drilling a hole in the skull and implanting a physical interface to allow the brain to communicate with external devices.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
This logic was eventually applied far beyond web design to nearly every interface users encounter in daily life.
From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026
Last year, PayPal teamed up with AI company Perplexity so people could use its service to purchase products from retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Ashley Furniture within Perplexity’s chat interface.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
“Roof,” Maddy said, the interface ring still in her hand.
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.