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
Etymology
Origin of interface
Explanation
Think of an interface as a "face-to-face," a place where things, or people, or people and things (like you and your computer) meet. Any common boundary or area of convergence can be an interface. Used as a verb, interface means to merge or mingle, bonding and synthesizing by communicating and working together. The word interface is comprised of the prefix inter, which means "between," and face. In the 1960's, when computers first began to be commonly used, the word became familiar and now can simply mean “to meet.” Although "Shall we interface over coffee?" still feels a bit awkward.
Vocabulary lists containing interface
Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
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Computer Science and Technology - High School
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They Both Die at the End
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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.
For OpenAI, making ChatGPT a go-to interface for consumer experiences is a critical component as it gears up for a potential initial public offering as soon as this year.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
Market research indicates that the physical-TV industry will keep erasing differences between phone and TV apps in the near future, as those apps tack on more interface features like specialized games.
From Slate • May 3, 2026
Robinhood said it expects to invest an additional $100 million to build out the interface for the Trump accounts — beyond what had previously been included in its outlook.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026
But Apple in recent years has drifted off that singular focus with its so-called Liquid Glass interface that is especially unpopular on the Mac.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
Without her interface ring, she was invisible to vehicles.
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
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.
