surface area

American  

[sur-fis air-ee-uh] / ˈsɜr fɪs ˌɛər i ə /

noun

1. the total space occupied by all surfaces or faces of an object.

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Etymology

Origin of surface area

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Children also have higher respiratory rates than adults, as well as larger lung surface area relative to their body size, resulting in higher doses of pollution per breath.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

When you shape the loaf yourself, you create more surface area.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

Respiratory turbinates are thin, scroll shaped bones inside the nasal cavity that increase surface area, allowing blood and air to exchange heat more efficiently.

From Science Daily • Feb. 22, 2026

The bigger the surface area of the suits, the more flight in the air.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

The RTG's heat can't keep up with the total loss from the Hab's impressive surface area.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir