face

¹face

noun, often attributive \ˈfās\

Definition of FACE

1

a : the front part of the head that in humans extends from the forehead to the chin and includes the mouth, nose, cheeks, and eyes b : the face as a means of identification : countenance <would know that face anywhere>

2

archaic : presence, sight

3

a : facial expression <a friendly face> b : a facial expression of distaste or displeasure <he made a face when he saw the test results> c : makeup 3a(1)

4

a (1) : outward appearance <put a good face on it> (2) : the aspect of something that is perceptible or obvious upon superficial examination <the theory is absurd on its face — Kim Neely> b : disguise, pretense c (1) : assurance, confidence <maintaining a firm face in spite of adversity> (2) : effrontery <how anyone could have the face to ask that question> d : dignity, prestige <afraid to lose face>

5

: surface: a (1) : a front, upper, or outer surface (2) : the front of something having two or four sides (3) : facade (4) : an exposed surface of rock (5) : any of the plane surfaces that bound a geometric solid b : a surface specially prepared: as (1) : the principal dressed surface (as of a disk) (2) : the right side (as of cloth or leather) (3) : an inscribed, printed, or marked side c : a striking surface (as of a tool) <the face of the golf club> <the face of an anvil> d (1) : the surface (as of type) that receives the ink and transfers it to the paper (2) : a style of type

6

: the end or wall of a mine tunnel, drift, or excavation at which work is progressing

7

: face value

8

: person <lots of new faces around here>

— in one's face

: directly and aggressively in one's presence <dunked the ball in his face> —often used with get to describe aggressively confrontational speech or behavior <his boss got in his face about being late>

— in the face of also in face of

: face-to-face with : despite <fearless in the face of danger>

— to one's face

: in one's presence or so that one is fully aware of what is going on

Examples of FACE

1. He has a round face.
2. His face is familiar but I can't remember his name.
3. I'll never forget the look on her face.
4. He fell flat on his face.
5. I didn't recognize any of the faces around the table.
6. There are lots of new faces around the office.

Origin of FACE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *facia, from Latin facies make, form, face, from facere to make, do — more at do

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to FACE

Synonyms: countenance, kisser [slang], mug, pan [slang], puss [slang], visage

Antonyms: back, rear, rearward, reverse

Related Words: appearance, aspect, features, lineaments, looks, mien, presence; expression, physiognomy

Near Antonyms: innards, inside, interior

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Rhymes with FACE

ace, base, bass, brace, case, chase, dace, grace, lace, mace, Mace, Naas, pace, place, plaice, prase, race, res, space, Thrace, trace, vase, Wace