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

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

From Salon

There is no doubt about the delicacy’s comforting presence in homes this Christmas, providing a sense of continuity absent from so many other facets of contemporary life in Venezuela.

From Los Angeles Times

Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” has received the deluxe box-set treatment just in time for the holiday season—and it’s a winner in every possible facet.

From Salon

What “playing the right way” looks like is, in essence, dominating every single facet of a game of professional basketball.

From The Wall Street Journal

This was a facet of his greatness, the great master founding and funding Turnaround Arts California, an arts education nonprofit out of his offices.

From Los Angeles Times