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interfacing - 4 dictionary results
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
in⋅ter⋅face
[n. in-ter-feys; v. in-ter-feys, in-ter-feys]
noun, verb, -faced, -fac⋅ing.
–noun
–verb (used with object)
–verb (used without object)
| 1. | a surface regarded as the common boundary of two bodies, spaces, or phases. |
| 2. | the facts, problems, considerations, theories, practices, etc., shared by two or more disciplines, procedures, or fields of study: the interface between chemistry and physics. |
| 3. | a common boundary or interconnection between systems, equipment, concepts, or human beings. |
| 4. | communication or interaction: Interface between the parent company and its subsidiaries has never been better. |
| 5. | 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. |
| 6. | Computers.
|
| 7. | to bring into an interface. |
| 8. | to bring together; connect or mesh: The management is interfacing several departments with an information service from overseas. |
| 9. | to be in an interface. |
| 10. | to function as an interface. |
| 11. | to meet or communicate directly; interact, coordinate, synchronize, or harmonize (often fol. by with): The two communications systems are able to interface with each other. |
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Cite This Source
| in·ter·face
(ĭn'tər-fās') Pronunciation Key
n.
v. (ĭn'tər-fās') in·ter·faced, in·ter·fac·ing, in·ter·fac·es v. tr.
v. intr.
in'ter·fa'cial adj. Usage Note: The noun interface has been around since the 1880s, meaning "a surface forming a common boundary, as between bodies or regions." But the word did not really take off until the 1960s, when it began to be used in the computer industry to designate the point of interaction between a computer and another system, such as a printer. The word was applied to other interactions as well—between departments in an organization, for example, or between fields of study. Shortly thereafter interface developed a use as a verb, but it never really caught on outside its niche in the computer world, where it still thrives. The Usage Panel has been unable to muster much enthusiasm for the verb. Thirty-seven percent of Panelists accept it when it designates the interaction between people in the sentence The managing editor must interface with a variety of freelance editors and proofreaders. But the percentage drops to 22 when the interaction is between a corporation and the public or between various communities in a city. Many Panelists complain that interface is pretentious and jargony. Certainly, it has no shortage of acceptable synonyms; cooperate, deal, exchange information, interact, and work present themselves as ready substitutes. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
| in·ter·fac·ing
(ĭn'tər-fā'sĭng) Pronunciation Key
n. A piece of firm fabric or other material inserted and usually sewn between the layers of a garment to thicken or stiffen it. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Copyright © 2008, Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
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