-ˈfish(ˌ)ēz, -shēˌēz noun
( plural superficies )
Etymology: Latin, top, surface, building on the surface of the ground, from super- + -ficies (from facies form, shape, face) — more at face
1.
a. : a depthless surface of a geometric body : the boundary or one of the boundaries of a solid or the border between two regions of space
the superficies of a cube
b. : the outer surface of a body : superficial area
the earth, from the superficies to an unknown depth — William Bartram
2. : the purely external aspects, features, or characteristics of a thing : superficial appearance
the audience is held by the substance of the play rather than by the superficies of the production — R.W.Speaight
3. Roman & civil law
a. : everything on the surface of a piece of ground or of a building so closely connected by art or nature as to constitute a part of it (as houses or other structures, fences, trees, or vines)
b. : a real right or servitude consisting in a right in perpetuity or for a long term to enjoy the superficies of land on payment of an annual or periodic rent — compare emphyteusis , ground rent