Main Entry:

fas·cia

Pronunciation:

\1 & 3 are usually ˈfā-sh(ē-)ə, 2 is usually ˈfa-\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural fas·ci·ae \-shē-ˌē\ or fas·cias

Etymology:

Italian, from Latin, band, bandage; akin to Middle Irish basc necklace

Date:

1563

1: a flat usu. horizontal member of a building having the form of a flat band or broad fillet: as a: a flat piece used as a molding b: a horizontal piece (as a board) covering the joint between the top of a wall and the projecting eaves —called also fascia board c: a nameplate over the front of a shop 2: a sheet of connective tissue covering or binding together body structures (as muscles) ; also : tissue of this character3or fa·cia \ˈfā-sh(ē-)ə\ British : the dashboard of an automobile

— fas·cial \ˈfa-sh(ē-)əl\ adjective