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.

---

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

---

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

Another is Red Bull's new engine is said by Russell to have the best deployment of energy, which is such an important facet this season.

From BBC

At the same time, Mr. Curran expands on many facets of the genre that previous scholars have only mentioned in passing.

From The Wall Street Journal

When the buzzer mercifully sounded, the box score made no bones about the fact the Trojans had been outworked and outclassed in almost every facet of the game.

From Los Angeles Times

One facet of SL Green that looks shakier is its dividend.

From Barron's

All of these companies address a different facet of the new AI exploits.

From Barron's