surficial

adjective

sur·​fi·​cial ˌsər-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce surficial (audio)
: of or relating to a surface
surficial geologic processes

Examples of surficial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prior Exploration Work Historical exploration work over Saunders included limited surficial mapping, geochemical sampling (silts, soils, and rocks) and geophysics, including ZTEM. Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 Even if astronauts can avoid radiation exposure and muscle degeneration, the moon’s surficial soil—called regolith—itself poses another tricky problem. Rebecca Boyle, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2020 This aquifer does receive recharge and is not yet overtaxed, but involves more concerns than pumping out of a surficial gravel aquifers near Staples or Benson. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 9 Nov. 2019

Word History

Etymology

surface + -icial (as in superficial)

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surficial was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near surficial

Cite this Entry

“Surficial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surficial. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!