I. ˈfasə̇t, ˈfaas-, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
also fa·cette fäˈset
( -s )
Etymology: French facette, diminutive of face — more at face
1.
a. : one of the small plane surfaces produced on a diamond or other precious stone in cutting especially to enhance its brilliance and beauty — see brilliant illustration
b. : a similar surface on other material (as one cut on a pebble by natural forces)
2. : any of the sharply defined or definable aspects that make up a subject or object of consideration : phase
no other facet of his leadership could be more revealing
3. anatomy : a smooth flat or nearly flat circumscribed surface
the articular facet of a bone
4. : the fillet between the flutes of a column
5.
a. : the external corneal surface of an ommatidium of a compound eye
b. : ommatidium
Synonyms: see phase
II. transitive verb
( faceted or facetted -sə̇d.əd, -sə̇tə̇d ; faceted or facetted ; faceting or facetting ; facets )
: to cut facets upon
the skill with which he faceted the great diamond
III. abbreviation
1. facetiae
2. facetious