facies

fa·cies

noun \ˈfā-sh(ē-ˌ)ēz\

plural facies

Definition of FACIES

1

: general appearance <a plant species with a particularly distinct facies>

2

: an appearance and expression of the face characteristic of a particular condition especially when abnormal <adenoid facies>

3

: a part of a rock or group of rocks that differs from the whole formation (as in composition, age, or fossil content)

Origin of FACIES

New Latin, from Latin, face

First Known Use: circa 1736