facet

noun

fac·​et ˈfa-sət 

1

: any of the definable aspects that make up a subject (as of contemplation) or an object (as of consideration)

Each facet of the problem requires careful attention.

2

: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem) see brilliant illustration

3

: the external corneal surface of an ommatidium

4

: a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone)

faceted adjective

or facetted

ˈfa-sə-təd 

Synonyms

• angle
• aspect
• hand
• phase
• side

Examples of facet in a Sentence

Each facet of the problem requires careful attention.

the different facets of our culture

Which facet of his character is most appealing?

the facets of a diamond

Recent Examples on the Web

All signs point to systems rooted in the nation’s painful racist history, which even today affects all facets of American life. —Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

Most users of generative AI are oblivious to this facet. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Each facet of my identity cuts to the bone and feels equally powerful. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

One important facet to watch is whether Harris shows weakness with Arab American voters in Detroit and Dearborn. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French facette "individual surface (of an object with many surfaces, as a gem)," going back to Middle French fasette, from face face entry 1 + -ette -ette

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing facet

• star facet

Kids Definition

facet

noun

fac·​et ˈfas-ət 

1

: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem)

2

: a definable aspect of something

explained all facets of the company

3

: the surface of a functional unit of vision of a compound eye

faceted

ˈfas-ət-əd

adjective

Medical Definition

facet

noun

fac·​et ˈfas-ət 

ˌfa-ˈset

: a smooth flat or nearly flat circumscribed anatomical surface

the articular facet of a bone

faceted adjective

or facetted

ˈfas-ət-əd