facies

/ˈfeɪʃiˌiz/
noun
  1. The appearance or expression of the face, especially as indicating a particular condition or disease.
    • The patient's facies suggested a thyroid disorder.
    • Doctors often observe the facies for clues about a person's health.
    • A characteristic facies is seen in some genetic syndromes.
  2. In geology, the characteristics of a rock unit that reflect its environment of formation.
    • The sedimentary facies indicated a shallow marine environment.
    • Different facies can be found within the same rock formation.
    • Geologists study facies to understand ancient landscapes.
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