Legal Definitions - facies

Definition: Facies (fay-shee-eez) is a Latin word that refers to the outward appearance or surface of something.

• The facies of a rock can tell us about the environment in which it was formed.
• The facies of a person's skin can reveal their age, health, and lifestyle.
• The facies of a building can give us clues about its architectural style and historical context.

These examples illustrate how facies refers to the external characteristics of different objects or entities. By examining the facies of a rock, we can learn about the conditions in which it was formed, such as whether it was in a marine or terrestrial environment. Similarly, the facies of a person's skin can reveal information about their overall health and lifestyle choices. Finally, the facies of a building can provide insights into its design and the historical period in which it was constructed.