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)

, fac·et·ed, fac·et·ing or fac·et·ted, fac·et·ting.

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

The stats go on, but simply put: It was a display of total domination in every facet of the game.

From Los Angeles Times

In short, all the major electoral facets of American conservatism are more tightly unified ... in the days of William F. Buckley or Ronald Reagan.

From Salon

Friendship has given them the chance to explore on stage new facets of themselves as actors who refuse to be pigeonholed.

From Los Angeles Times

Depth in the secondary — where Molden has solidified the safety position while rookie cornerbacks Still and Cam Hart have stepped up outside — has allowed James to flex his versatility in every facet of the defense.

From Los Angeles Times

“She was the rom-com queen, but I feel like if you read her work, she could be scathing and tough, harsh and critical. But those facets were what made her compelling and alluring to people.”

From Los Angeles Times