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

Their work together — Selke-worthy, in some respects — was high-end enough in all facets to make up for the Capitals’ lack of a true alpha-dog performer at the top of their forward group. —The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

Like last year’s contest in Amherst — a 45-3 MU victory — Saturday featured the Tigers dominating in most facets. —Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025

No single facet of the game will determine whether this is a good or great team. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025

The one constant in Holland’s film is an unusual one for a biopic; the traditional approach being that each individual presents different facets of their true selves to different people. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 25 Sep. 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