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
fac·et·ed
variants
or less commonly facetted
: having or made with facets
Cite this Entry
“Facet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/facet. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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