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of the limits that bound a solid, esp. the upper face; superficies; the outside; as, the surface of the earth; the surface of a diamond; the surface of the body. The bright surface of this ethereous mold. Milton.

The weight supported per square unit of surface; the quotient obtained by dividing the gross weight, in pounds, of a fully loaded flying machine, by the total area, in square feet, of its supporting surface.

That property, due to molecular forces, which exists in the surface film of all liquids and tends to bring the contained volume into a form having the least superficial area. The thickness of this film, amounting to less than a thousandth of a millimeter, is considered to equal the radius of the sphere of molecular act…

A form of machine for dressing the surface of wood, metal, stone, etc.

A small plane or surface, usually capable of adjustment but not of manipulation, for preserving lateral balance in an aëroplane or flying machine.

The first of two or more surfaces arranged in tandem; -- contr. with following surface, which is the rear surface.

Having two surfaces; -- said specif. of aëroplane wings or aërocurves which are covered on both sides with fabric, etc., thus completely inclosing their frames.

See Advancing-surface, above.

Having one surface; -- said specif. of aëroplanes or aërocurves that are covered with fabric, etc., on only one side.

Pertaining to the surface or end opposite to the mouth in a radiate animal; -- opposed to actinal. "The aboral or abactinal area." L. Agassiz.

In or to a higher place; higher than; on or over the upper surface; over; -- opposed to below or beneath. Fowl that may fly above the earth. Gen. i. 20.

The process of coating the surface of a metal plate (as a stereotype plate) with steellike iron by means of voltaic electricity; steeling.

The upper surface of the toes, individually.

The entire upper surface of the foot.

Pertaining to or affecting the surface.

e divided vessel a needle, the ends of which are left exposed externally on the cutaneous surface. Simpson.

Union of surface, normally separate, by the formation of new tissue resulting from an inflammatory process.

The front edge (in direction of motion) of a supporting surface; -- contr. with following edge, which is the rear edge.

hing blade set at right angles to the handle. It is used for chipping or slicing away the surface of wood.

act with the air and need oxygen for their growth; as the microbacteria which form on the surface of putrefactive fluids.