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

Business usage of AI is a core facet of the AI boom as OpenAI and others seek to finance continued expansions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

The problem is, he writes, the “current macro environment is testing every facet of the historical long term investment case for U.S. large-caps.”

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

When undefeated France visit Murrayfield on Saturday in the penultimate round of the Six Nations, every facet of Scotland's game will be tested.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

Undaunted by what she calls the most challenging aspect of acting — memorizing the lines — Tânia Maria is eager to continue exploring this unexpected new facet.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

"There's one facet of that process in which your mother and I are particularly interested at this particular juncture in your life."

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan