facet

American  

[fas-it] / ˈfæs ɪt /

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.

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verb (used with object)

faceted, faceting, facetted, facetting

1. to cut facets on.

facet British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of facet

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

Example Sentences

Alphabet’s stock has skyrocketed 66% over the last 12 months as Google cemented itself as a leader in the AI race and expanded its presence in virtually every facet of the ecosystem.

From MarketWatch

Cobb took to this role as a public educator naturally; teacher wasn’t just her vocation but an essential facet of her personality.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We also create a huge amount of technology that protects people through every facet of their life," says Thales UK HR Director, Lindsey Beer.

From BBC

“Goodbye June” mulls over the beauty of life and the indignity of death, but never fully engages with either facet of our relatively short existence.

From Salon

Just as often, he stepped into roles that embodied facets of his closely held values.

From Salon