First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1face
noun, often attributive \ˈfās\
: the front part of the head that has the eyes, nose, and mouth on it
: a facial expression
: the way something appears when it is first seen or thought about
Full Definition of FACE
1
a : the front part of the head that in humans extends from the forehead to the chin and includes the mouth, nose, cheeks, and eyes b : the face as a means of identification : countenance <would know that face anywhere>
3
a : facial expression <a friendly face> b : a facial expression of distaste or displeasure <he made a face when he saw the test results> c : makeup 3a(1)
4
a (1) : outward appearance <put a good face on it> (2) : the aspect of something that is perceptible or obvious upon superficial examination <the theory is absurd on its face — Kim Neely> b : disguise, pretense c (1) : assurance, confidence <maintaining a firm face in spite of adversity> (2) : effrontery <how anyone could have the face to ask that question> d : dignity, prestige <afraid to lose face>
5
: surface: a (1) : a front, upper, or outer surface (2) : the front of something having two or four sides (3) : facade (4) : an exposed surface of rock (5) : any of the plane surfaces that bound a geometric solid b : a surface specially prepared: as (1) : the principal dressed surface (as of a disk) (2) : the right side (as of cloth or leather) (3) : an inscribed, printed, or marked side c : a striking surface (as of a tool) <the face of the golf club> <the face of an anvil> d (1) : the surface (as of type) that receives the ink and transfers it to the paper (2) : a style of type
6
: the end or wall of a mine tunnel, drift, or excavation at which work is progressing
7
8
: person <lots of new faces around here>
— in one's face
: directly and aggressively in one's presence <dunked the ball in his face> —often used with get to describe aggressively confrontational speech or behavior <his boss got in his face about being late>
— in the face of also in face of
: face-to-face with : despite <fearless in the face of danger>
— to one's face
: in one's presence or so that one is fully aware of what is going on
See face defined for English-language learners
See face defined for kids
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Origin of FACE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *facia, from Latin facies make, form, face, from facere to make, do — more at do
Related to FACE
Other Anatomy Terms
2face
verb
: to stand or sit with your face and body turned toward (something or someone)
: to have the front part toward (something)
: to be on the page that is opposite to (another page)
facedfac·ing
Full Definition of FACE
transitive verb
1
: to confront impudently
2
a : to line near the edge especially with a different material b : to cover the front or surface of <faced the building with marble>
3
: to meet face-to-face or in competition
4
a : to stand or sit with the face toward b : to have the front oriented toward <a house facing the park>
5
a : to recognize and deal with straightforwardly <face the facts> b : to master by confronting with determination —used with down <faced down his critics>
6
a : to have as a prospect : be confronted by <face a grim future> b : to be a prospect or a source of concern for <the problems that face us> c : to bring face-to-face <he was faced with ruin>
7
: to make the surface of (as a stone) flat or smooth
8
: to cause (troops) to face in a particular direction on command
intransitive verb
1
: to have the face or front turned in a specified direction
2
: to turn the face in a specified direction
— face the music
: to meet an unpleasant situation, a danger, or the consequences of one's actions
See face defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FACE
15th century
Related to FACE
- Synonyms
- front, look (toward), point (toward)
FACE Defined for Kids
1face
noun \ˈfās\
Definition of FACE for Kids
1
: the front part of the head
2
: an expression of the face <a sad face>
3
: outward appearance <It looks easy on the face of it.>
4
: a funny or silly expression
5
: an expression showing displeasure
6
: 1respect 1 <He was afraid of losing face.>
7
: a front, upper, or outer surface
8
: one of the flat surfaces that bound a solid <a face of a cube>
2face
verb
facedfac·ing
Definition of FACE for Kids
1
: to have the front or face toward <The house faces east.>
2
: to cover the front or surface of <The building will be faced with marble.>
3
: to oppose with determination <face danger>
Medical Dictionary
face
noun , often attrib \ˈfās\
Medical Definition of FACE
1
a : the front part of the human head including the chin, mouth, nose, cheeks, eyes, and usually the forehead b : the corresponding part of the head of a lower animal
2
: surface; especially : a front, upper, or outer surface
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