faceting

noun

1. one of the small, polished plane surfaces of a cut gem.
2. a similar surface cut on a fragment of rock by the action of water, windblown sand, etc.
3. aspect; phase: They carefully examined every facet of the argument.
4. Architecture. any of the faces of a column cut in a polygonal form.
5. Zoology. one of the corneal lenses of a compound arthropod eye.
6. Anatomy. a small, smooth, flat area on a hard surface, especially on a bone.
7. Dentistry. a small, highly burnished area, usually on the enamel surface of a tooth, produced by abrasion between opposing teeth in chewing.

verb (used with object), fac·et·ed, fac·et·ing or (especially British) fac·et·ted, fac·et·ting.

8. to cut facets on.

noun

1. any of the surfaces of a cut gemstone
2. an aspect or phase, as of a subject or personality
3. architect the raised surface between the flutes of a column
4. any of the lenses that make up the compound eye of an insect or other arthropod
5. anatomy any small smooth area on a hard surface, as on a bone

verb -ets, -eting, -eted, -ets, -etting or -etted

6. (tr) to cut facets in (a gemstone)

n.

1620s, from French facette (12c., Old French facete), diminutive of face (see face (n.)). The diamond-cutting sense is the original one. Related: Faceted; facets.

n.

1. A small smooth area on a bone or other firm structure.
2. A worn spot on a tooth, produced by chewing or grinding.