communication interface: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; Technical; Academic
Quick answer
What does “communication interface” mean?
A shared boundary or point of interaction between two systems, devices, or people for the purpose of exchanging information.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A shared boundary or point of interaction between two systems, devices, or people for the purpose of exchanging information.
Can refer to the hardware, software, protocols, or conceptual means through which information transfer is facilitated, including the point where a user interacts with a system (user interface).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling follows regional conventions (e.g., 'behavioural' vs. 'behavioral' in related adjectives).
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties. The term carries the same precision and formality.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical contexts in both regions. Possibly slightly more common in American English due to a larger tech industry footprint.
Grammar
How to Use “communication interface” in a Sentence
The interface [between A and B]An interface [for + V-ing / noun]To interface [with something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “communication interface” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new module is designed to interface directly with the legacy system.
- The software must interface with multiple communication protocols.
American English
- The device interfaces seamlessly with our network.
- We need an application that can interface with the database.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard] The systems were connected interface-wise.
American English
- [Not standard] They communicated, interface permitting.
adjective
British English
- We studied the interface communication protocols.
- The interface design was crucial for usability.
American English
- The interface communication standards are published here.
- We reviewed the interface compatibility issues.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to systems for inter-departmental data sharing or customer interaction platforms.
Academic
Used in computer science, engineering, and linguistics to describe points of interaction between systems or agents.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when discussing how to connect devices (e.g., 'The printer's communication interface is USB').
Technical
The primary domain. Precise reference to hardware ports (USB, Ethernet), software APIs, or network protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “communication interface”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “communication interface”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “communication interface”
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'We need better communication interface'). Missing article: 'a/the communication interface'. Confusing it with 'user interface', which is a subtype.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A 'user interface' is a type of communication interface specifically between a human and a machine. 'Communication interface' is a broader term that can be between machines (M2M), software components, or systems.
Yes. In technical English, 'to interface' means to connect or interact with another system via an interface (e.g., 'The device must interface with the main server').
An Ethernet port on a computer is a classic hardware communication interface. It provides the physical and protocol-based means for the computer to communicate on a network.
Rarely. It is highly specialised terminology. In everyday talk, people would use simpler terms like 'connection', 'port', 'plug', or 'way to connect' depending on the context.
A shared boundary or point of interaction between two systems, devices, or people for the purpose of exchanging information.
Communication interface is usually formal; technical; academic in register.
Communication interface: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuː.nɪˈkeɪ.ʃən ˈɪn.tə.feɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuː.nəˈkeɪ.ʃən ˈɪn.t̬ɚ.feɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not typically used idiomatically]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an 'INTERFACE' as the 'FACE-to-FACE' meeting place where two systems have a CONVERSATION (communication).
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A BRIDGE; THE INTERFACE IS A MEETING POINT / HANDSHAKE.
Practice
Quiz
In a technical context, 'communication interface' LEAST likely refers to: