Surface modification refers to the process of changing the chemical or physical properties of a surface to enhance its performance or functionality. There are several synonyms for this term, including surface engineering, surface treatment, surface coating, and surface finishing. Surface engineering involves the use of engineering techniques to modify the surface properties of the material, while surface treatment refers to any treatment applied to a surface to alter its properties. Surface coating involves the use of a thin layer of material applied to a surface to enhance its performance, while surface finishing deals with the process of improving the surface quality of a material. All of these terms refer to the same process of modifying the surface of a material to improve its functionality.