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

Fewer staff has meant all facets of the outbreak investigation have been slowed — from simple data entry to complex laboratory analysis of genetic information. — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

While some of their descriptions recall facets of the Late Bronze Age, others describe the material culture of the Archaic period. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026

This is really just another facet of that same movement — the same movement that has a radically different view of the American West. — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 July 2026

The offense, however, doesn’t stay down for long for Baldwin, whose swing and approach are facets of his game his teammates envy and Braves coaches rave about. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 15 July 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
• 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