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

• aspect
• side
• hand

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

However, what stands out to him while watching Guerrero is how his younger teammate is improving in every facet of the game, particularly in his mastery of the little things. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025

From explosiveness to on-ball pressure to spot-shooting and post moves, the drills encompassed many different facets of what this Mizzou team can do. —Ally Schniepp, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2025

For me, personally, there are areas to improve in the run game, pass game, really all facets. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

Free to the public — with any order people want to do the crawl in also fine — the stops cover different facets of state and local history. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for facet

• basset
• dacite
• tacit

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