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surface

1 surface /ˈsɚfəs/ noun
plural surfaces
1 surface
/ˈsɚfəs/
noun
plural surfaces
Britannica Dictionary definition of SURFACE
[count] : an outside part or layer of something
[count] : the upper layer of an area of land or water usually singular
[count] : the flat, top part of something (such as a table or desk) that you can work on
the surface : the part of someone or something that is easy to see or notice : the outer quality or appearance of someone or something that may not show true or hidden problems, feelings, etc.
[count] : a flat or curved side of an object

scratch the surface

see 1scratch
2 surface /ˈsɚfəs/ verb
surfaces; surfaced; surfacing
2 surface
/ˈsɚfəs/
verb
surfaces; surfaced; surfacing
Britannica Dictionary definition of SURFACE
[no object] : to rise to the surface of water
[no object] : to appear or become obvious after being hidden or not seen
[+ object] : to put a surface on (something, such as a road)
[no object] chiefly British, informal : to wake up and get out of bed
3 surface /ˈsɚfəs/ adjective
3 surface
/ˈsɚfəs/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of SURFACE
always used before a noun
: involving only the parts that are easy to see or notice : superficial
: involving the removal of the surface of a large area of land to get at coal or other material that is near to the surface