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

Hockney’s own work may have had its touches of anxiety and tension, but humor, wit, resplendent color, a touch of unapologetic sentimentality, even beauty—these facets took precedence. —Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026

This team can provide guidance on the various facets of the transaction, including the due diligence process, valuations of assets, marketing strategy and identifying potential bidders. —Jonathan Carson, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

In his first few months in that office Kennedy steamrolled every facet of American vaccine infrastructure. —Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

The message sent to Xbox employees and shared publicly via Xbox Wire last night paints a grim picture for practically every facet of the Xbox division. —Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 11 June 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