unifacial
|u-ni-fa-cial|
/ˌjuːnɪˈfeɪʃəl/
single-faced; one-sided
Etymology
'unifacial' originates from Latin elements: the prefix 'uni-' from Latin 'unus' meaning 'one', combined with 'facial' from Latin 'facies' meaning 'face'.
'unifacial' was formed in Modern English by combining the Latin-derived prefix 'uni-' and the adjective-forming element related to 'face' (via French/Scientific Latin formation). It appears in technical descriptions (e.g., archaeology, anatomy) from the 19th century onward.
Initially, the components meant 'one' and 'face', and the combined term has retained this core sense of 'having a single face or surface' in modern usage, especially in technical contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having only one face or one surface; one-sided.
The sculpture was intentionally unifacial, with details on the front and a plain back.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/24 11:09