facies

fa·ci·es  (fsh-z, -shz)

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.

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[Latin facis; see dh- in Indo-European roots.]

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facies [ˈfeɪʃɪˌiːz]

n pl -cies

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) the general form and appearance of an individual or a group of plants or animals

2. (Earth Sciences / Geological Science) the characteristics of a rock or series of rocks reflecting their appearance, composition, and conditions of formation

3. (Medicine) Med the general facial expression of a patient, esp when typical of a specific disease or disorder See Hippocratic facies

[from Latin: appearance, face]

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facies  (fsh-z, -shz)

Plural facies

1.

a. A body of sedimentary rock distinguished from others by its lithology, geometry, sedimentary structures, proximity to other types of sedimentary rock, and fossil content, and recognized as characteristic of a particular depositional environment.

b. For a metamorphic rock, the particular combination of pressure and temperature under which metamorphism occurred.

2. The general aspect or makeup of an ecological community, especially a local modification of a community characterized by a conspicuous or abundant species that is absent or less concentrated in other locations.

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