Definition of superficial

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< superfetation

superficies >

su·per·fi·cial    (spr-fshl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of, affecting, or being on or near the surface: a superficial wound.
2. Concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; shallow.
3. Apparent rather than actual or substantial: a superficial resemblance.
4. Trivial; insignificant: made only a few superficial changes in the manuscript.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French superficiel, from Latin superficilis, from superficis, surface ; see superficies

OTHER FORMS:
super·fici·ali·ty  (-fsh-l-t) KEY  or super·ficial·ness  (-fshl-ns) KEY (Noun), super·ficial·ly(Adverb)