FACET

aspect, facet

(noun) a distinct feature or element in a problem; “he studied every facet of the question”

facet

(noun) a smooth surface (as of a bone or cut gemstone)

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Noun

facet (plural facets)

Any one of the flat surfaces cut into a gem.

One among many similar or related, yet still distinct things.

Synonym: aspect

One of a series of things, such as steps in a project.

(anatomy) One member of a compound eye, as found in insects and crustaceans.

(anatomy) A smooth circumscribed surface.

(anatomy) Any of the small joints at each segment of the spine that provide stability and help guide motion

(architecture) The narrow plane surface between flutings of a column.

(mathematics) A face of codimension 1 of a polytope.

(computing) A criterion that can be used to sort and filter, such as the colour or size of products in an online store.

Verb

facet (third-person singular simple present facets, present participle facetting or faceting, simple past and past participle facetted or faceted)

To cut a facet into a gemstone.

Usage notes

• Faceting and faceted are more common in the US. Facetting and facetted are more common in the UK.

Source: Wiktionary

---

Fac"et, n. Etym: [F. facette, dim. of face face. See Face.]

1. A little face; a small, plane surface; as, the facets of a diamond. [Written also facette.]

2. (Anat.)

Definition: A smooth circumscribed surface; as, the articular facet of a bone.

3. (Arch.)

Definition: The narrow plane surface between flutings of a column.

4. (Zoöl.)

Definition: One of the numerous small eyes which make up the compound eyes of insects and crustaceans.

Fac"et, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Faceted; p. pr. & vb. n. Faceting.]

Definition: To cut facets or small faces upon; as, to facet a diamond.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---