Etymologically
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interface

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 14:18. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈɪntəfeɪs/ (UK); /ˈɪn(t)ɚˌfeɪs/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is formed from inter- and face, a surface.[2][3][4]

Earliest recorded meaning

A plane surface regarded as the common boundary of two bodies: 1874 in Etymonline, 1882 in Barnhart, the OED and MWU;[2][3][5][4] interfacial is earlier, from 1837.[3]

Semantic evolution

Etymonline suggests that modern use is perhaps a re-coinage of about 1960.[2] A place of interaction between two systems or organizations is from 1962, used by Marshall McLuhan,[2][5][4] and an apparatus connecting two scientific instruments or devices from 1964.[5][2] The verb, to come into interaction with, is from 1967,[3][5] and to connect equipment from 1969.[5]

Timeline

  • 1837 – interfacial.[3]
  • 1882 – a common boundary.[3]
  • 1962 – a point of interaction.[5]
  • 1964 – a connecting device.[5]
  • 1967 – the verb.[3]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. A surface forming the common boundary between two bodies, substances or phases.
  2. A point where separate systems or groups meet and interact.
  3. (computing) The point of interaction between a computer and another device or a user, or the circuit or program that links them.

Verb

  1. To connect by means of an interface.
  2. To interact or work together smoothly.

Word family

  • interfacial
  • graphical user interface

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
  4. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press