facet

noun

fac·​et ˈfa-sət 

1

: a particular part or aspect (as of something being contemplated or considered)

Each facet of the problem requires careful analysis.

2

: a small plane surface (as on a cut gem) see brilliant illustration

3

: the external corneal surface of an ommatidium

Houseflies have about 350 facets per eye, while dragonflies have a whopping 30,000.

—Brad Wetzler

4

: a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone)

the articular facet of a rib

faceted adjective

or facetted

ˈfa-sə-təd 

Synonyms of facet

• 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

Consumer confidence edged higher in February as Americans expressed a more optimistic view of the labor market and other facets of the economy, a new survey shows. —CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026

While exploring this new facet of his career, Residente never will abandon his musical roots, which began as the frontman of the group Calle 13. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026

The ability to navigate complexity, collaborate across boundaries, and approach new tools with both curiosity and discernment will be vital as artificial intelligence becomes embedded in every facet of society. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Feb. 2026

Benefits of being in nature Benjamin Katz, an associate professor in the department of human development and family science at Virginia Tech, said other facets of birding that have been shown to support brain health may also be at play. —Lindsey Leake, NBC news, 23 Feb. 2026

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