Crossword Genius

Superficial and loveless bad-tempered expression (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

surface

'superficial' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for surface that I've seen before include "Plane" , "Superficial appearance" , "Wake up" , "Outer boundary" , "Outer appearance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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