Burn on the surface is a term used to describe the process of applying heat to a material in order to alter its physical properties. The three crossword solutions for this term are SEAR, SCORCH, and SINGE. SEAR is a cooking technique that involves quickly heating food at a high temperature to create a browned crust. SCORCH is a more intense form of burning that can cause discoloration or charring of the material. SINGE is a milder form of burning that only affects the surface of the material.