facet

[fas-it]

noun

1. a small, polished, flat surface, usually in the shape of a polygon, such as one of the surfaces of a cut gem.

2. a smooth, flat surface cut on a fragment of rock by the action of water, windblown sand, etc.

3. aspect; phase.

   They carefully examined every facet of the argument.

4. Architecture.,  any of the faces of a column cut in a polygonal form.

5. Zoology.,  one of the corneal lenses of a compound arthropod eye.

6. Anatomy.,  a small, smooth, flat area on a hard surface, especially on a bone.

7. Dentistry.,  a small, highly burnished area, usually on the enamel surface of a tooth, produced by abrasion between opposing teeth in chewing.

verb (used with object)

faceted, faceting, facetted, facetting. 

1. to cut facets on.

facet

/ ˈfæsɪt /

noun

1. any of the surfaces of a cut gemstone

2. an aspect or phase, as of a subject or personality

3. architect the raised surface between the flutes of a column

4. any of the lenses that make up the compound eye of an insect or other arthropod

5. anatomy any small smooth area on a hard surface, as on a bone

verb

1. (tr) to cut facets in (a gemstone)

Word History and Origins

Origin of facet¹

First recorded in 1615–25, from the French facette “little face”; face ( def. ), -ette ( )

Word History and Origins

Origin of facet¹

C17: from French facette a little _face

Example Sentences

Scrub a little of the humor from the script, and it’s basically a West Coast version of “The Pitt,” using familiar sitcom props and set-ups to portray the many facets of systemic failure.

From Salon

Rather, it’s her ability to use these facets of her physical self as tools of her performance, features that lure the viewer into the palm of her hand.

From Salon

Every facet of their game was on point with plans executed superbly as they swept aside Phoenix at Edgbaston.

From BBC

“In combination with other molecules, at low, unrecognizable dosages, it brings out the flavors of other facets.”

From Salon

The Golden State’s congressional districts are drawn by an independent commission focused on logical geography, shared interests, representation for minority communities and other facets.

From Los Angeles Times