surfacing

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
surface/ˈsɜːfɪs/

▶noun

• 1 the outside part or uppermost layer of something.

  ■ (also surface area) the area of this.

• 2 the upper limit of a body of liquid.

• 3 outward appearance as distinct from less obvious aspects.

• 4 Geometry a set of points that has length and breadth but no thickness.

▶adjective relating to or occurring on the surface.

■ carried by or denoting transportation by sea or overland as contrasted with by air.

▶verb

• 1 rise or come up to the surface.

• 2 become apparent.

• 3 provide (something, especially a road) with a particular surface.

• 4 informal appear after having been asleep.

– derivatives
surfaced adjective,
surfacer noun.

– origin C17: from Fr. (see sur-1, face), suggested by L. superficies.