Schnittstelle
/ˈʃnɪtˌʃtɛlə/noun
A point of interaction or interface between two systems, devices, or areas.
Did you know?Schnittstelle is a modern German compound, not an ancient magical term, but it comes from the very real verb *schneiden* (“to cut”), so the word’s core image is a boundary created by a cut.
Etymological Timeline
Old High German
OHG
snidan
“to cut, split, or sever”
Middle High German
MHG
sniden
“to cut”
Modern German
German
Schnitt
“a cut, slice, or act of cutting”
Modern German
German
Stelle
“a place, spot, or position”
Modern German
German
Schnittstelle
“a point where systems meet or connect; interface”
Explore more surprising origins