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

With a tougher stance on China expected from the incoming Trump administration, could the next trade war instead be focused around chips, which arguably have permeated every facet of our lives? — CNBC’s Samantha Subin contributed to this report. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024

In such an instance, the loosey-goosey facets might allow for a great deal of confusion, finger-pointing, and slippery contrivances. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

These Were The Biggest Home Decor Trends Of 2024, According To Southern Designers Quick Fixes In this high-tech, digital era, we’re accustomed to instant gratification in so many facets of our lives, but that shouldn’t apply to our homes, notes one Dallas designer. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024

The opera, however, is just one facet of the Paris & Nicole: The Encore. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 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