surface structure

American  

noun

Linguistics.

1. a structural representation of the final syntactic form of a sentence, as it exists after the transformational component has modified a deep structure.

2. the string of words that is actually produced.

---

surface structure British  

noun

1. generative grammar a representation of a string of words or morphemes as they occur in a sentence, together with labels and brackets that represent syntactic structure Compare deep structure

---

Etymology

Origin of surface structure

First recorded in 1960–65

Compare meaning

How does surface-structure compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• deep structure vs. surface structure

Example Sentences

The aim of the group is to use atomic resolution SE imaging to reveal the surface structure at the atomic level, including surface reconstruction and other unique structures formed on surfaces.

From Science Daily • Nov. 18, 2024

Reef life thrives on hyperbolism, so to speak; the curvy surface structure of coral maximizes nutrient intake, and nudibranchs propel through water with frilly flanges.

From New York Times • Jan. 15, 2024

The surface structure of virions can be observed by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy, whereas the internal structures of the virus can only be observed in images from a transmission electron microscope.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The country already has an orbiter and rover on the way to Mars, known as Tianwen-1, which will study the chemical makeup, magnetic field, and surface structure of the red planet.

From National Geographic • Dec. 16, 2020

It may be assumed that the missing surface structure was circular, probably of brick, had a small door, and was roofed over with thatch or sod for insulation.

From New Discoveries at Jamestown Site of the First Successful English Settlement in America by Cotter, John L.