interface English · revision 7660

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=1874}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈɪntəfeɪs/ ''(UK)''; /ˈɪn(t)ɚˌfeɪs/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[inter-]] and [[face]], a surface.^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A plane surface regarded as the common boundary of two bodies: 1874 in Etymonline, 1882 in Barnhart, the OED and MWU;^(Etymonline)^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024) ''interfacial'' is earlier, from 1837.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Etymonline suggests that modern use is perhaps a re-coinage of about 1960.^(Etymonline) A place of interaction between two systems or organizations is from 1962, used by Marshall McLuhan,^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024) and an apparatus connecting two scientific instruments or devices from 1964.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) The verb, to come into interaction with, is from 1967,^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989) and to connect equipment from 1969.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1837 – interfacial.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1882 – a common boundary.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1962 – a point of interaction.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1964 – a connecting device.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1967 – the verb.^(Barnhart 1988)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A surface forming the common [[boundary]] between two bodies, substances or phases.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A point where separate systems or groups meet and interact.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(computing)'' The point of interaction between a [[computer]] and another device or a user, or the circuit or program that links them.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Verb===

+ # To connect by means of an interface.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To interact or work together smoothly.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[interfacial]]

+ * [[graphical user interface]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[face]]

+ * [[surface]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}