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fa·ci·es

(fāshē-ēz′, -shēz)

n. pl. facies

1. Biology The general aspect or outward appearance, as of a given growth of flora.

2. Medicine The appearance or expression of the face, especially when typical of a certain disorder or disease.

3. Geology A rock or stratified body distinguished from others by its appearance or composition.

[Latin faciēs; see dhē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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