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

While few dispute the potential for AI to remake the business-software sector—along with virtually every facet of the economy—most believe the impacts will be more diffuse and delayed than this week’s selloff suggested.

From The Wall Street Journal

As well as the queen's portrait, the coins feature designs "symbolically reflecting the many facets of Queen Elizabeth II's life and legacy", the mint said.

From BBC

An equally American facet of the game is that it’s a big business.

From The Wall Street Journal

On and off the ice, he said he spends about six hours a day working on some part of the physical or mental facets of his skating.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency’s rules touch virtually every facet of transportation safety, including regulations that keep airplanes in the sky, prevent gas pipelines from exploding and stop freight trains carrying toxic chemicals from skidding off the rails.

From Salon