What does "interface" mean?

1. (user and machine) the way a person uses a computer or machine, such as the buttons or the screen you see. 2. (software connection) the point where two different computer systems or programs connect and share information. 3. (physical boundary) the surface or area where two different substances meet, like oil and water. 4. (to connect or communicate) to connect two things together, or for two groups of people to work together and share information.

How do you use "interface"?

Often used with the preposition 'with'.

interface

n. · v.

US //ˈɪnɝˌfeɪs// UK //ˈɪntəfˌeɪs// in·ter·face

1 user and machine (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

the way a person uses a computer or machine, such as the buttons or the screen you see.

the means by which a user interacts with a computer system or software, typically involving a graphical or physical layout.

Example

The new app has a very simple interface that is easy for beginners to use.

Example

The design team focused on creating an intuitive user interface to reduce the learning curve for the new enterprise software.
2 software connection (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

the point where two different computer systems or programs connect and share information.

a shared boundary across which two separate software components or hardware systems exchange information.

Example

The software needs a special interface to talk to the printer.

Example

The API provides a standardised interface that allows third-party developers to integrate their tools with our core database.

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3 physical boundary (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

the surface or area where two different substances meet, like oil and water.

a surface forming a common boundary between two different substances or phases of matter.

Example

Scientists studied how the chemicals reacted at the interface between the liquid and the gas.

Example

Surface tension is a result of the unique molecular forces acting at the interface of the two fluids.
4 to connect or communicate (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to connect two things together, or for two groups of people to work together and share information.

to interact or communicate with another person, group, or system; often used in business to describe inter-departmental cooperation.

Example

Our sales team needs to interface with the marketing department more often.

Example

The project manager's primary role is to interface with the client to ensure all technical requirements are being met.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'with'.
- disconnect
- isolate

Origin

From inter- (“between”) + face (“shape, figure, form”).