su·per·fi·cial / ˌsoōpərˈfishəl/ • adj. existing or occurring at or on the surface: the building suffered only superficial damage. ∎  situated or occurring on the skin or immediately beneath it: the superficial muscle groups. ∎  appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely: the resemblance between the breeds is superficial. ∎  not thorough, deep, or complete; cursory: he had only the most superficial knowledge of foreign countries. ∎  not having or showing any depth of character or understanding: perhaps I was a superficial person.DERIVATIVES: su·per·fi·ci·al·i·ty / -ˌfishēˈalitē/ n. (pl. -ties) su·per·fi·cial·ly adv.su·per·fi·cial·ness n.

superficial (soo-per-fish-ăl) adj. (in anatomy) situated at or close to a surface. Superficial blood vessels are those close to the surface of the skin.