Literary notes about facet (AI summary)
The term "facet" in literature functions as both a literal and metaphorical device to convey the idea of distinct sides or aspects of a subject. In some instances, it denotes a physical, flat surface—as seen in descriptions of anatomical structures or cut gemstones (e.g., [1], [2], [3], [4]), while in other contexts it explores the varied dimensions of character or experience (e.g., [5], [6], [7], [8]). Authors use "facet" to suggest that just as a gem’s brilliance derives from its many faces, human nature, truth, or a situation can be appreciated by examining its multiple elements. This versatile usage underscores the complexity inherent in both physical forms and abstract ideas, inviting readers to consider each distinct layer of meaning.
- On the seventh thoracic it becomes larger, thin, and upright, and widely separated from the articular facet for the tubercle of the rib.
— from The Beaked Whales of the Family Ziphiidae
An Account of the Beaked Whales of the Family Ziphiidae in the Collection of the United States Museum... by Frederick W. (Frederick William) True - A flat facet is thus ground upon the stone.
— from A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public by Frank Bertram Wade - A machinist’s chisel shaped to cut on the sides of slots or keyways, and having its cutting edge on one side of the end facet.
— from Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Joshua Rose - The facet of a diamond appears to be a perfect plane, perfectly compact, yet in reality it is rough and porous.
— from Giordano Bruno by J. Lewis (James Lewis) McIntyre - The one bright facet of the many-sided and gloomy crisis was the very obvious truth that Robert was the most extraordinary child that ever lived.
— from The Regent by Arnold Bennett - His natural philosophy entered into every facet of his life—his daily work, his art, his ceramics, his religion.
— from Mosaic of New Mexico's Scenery, Rocks, and History - (Afterwards I found I had got only a half truth—or only a glimpse of one facet of the truth.)
— from The Time Machine by H. G. Wells - Each separate poem was like a single facet of a diamond, illuminating the subject from a new point of view.
— from An Introduction to Shakespeare by H. N. (Henry Noble) MacCracken