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

These materials are relatively inexpensive and have a large surface area that allows them to trap CO2.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

If a ski jumper happens to require a slightly bigger suit, the broader surface area allows him to catch more air and fly even longer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

That means I need more surface area for farming, and more water to hydrate the soil.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir