n.1 a a particular component or feature of a matter (only one aspect of the problem). b a particular way in which a matter may be considered.
2 a a facial expression; a look (a cheerful aspect). b the appearance of a person or thing, esp. as presented to the mind of the viewer (has a frightening aspect).
3 the side of a building or location facing a particular direction (southern aspect).
4 Gram. a verbal category or form expressing inception, duration, or completion.
5 Astrol. the relative position of planets etc. measured by angular distance.
Phrases and idioms:
aspect ratio
1. Aeron. the ratio of the span to the mean chord of an aerofoil.
2 Telev. the ratio of picture width to height.
Derivatives:
aspectual adj. (in sense 4).
Etymology: ME f. L aspectus f. adspicere adspect- look at (as AD-, specere look)