fac·u·la \ˈfakyələ\noun (pluralfacu·lae \-yəˌlē\) Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, small torch, diminutive of fac-, fax torch : any of the bright regions of the sun's photosphere seen most easily near the sun's edge and occurring most frequently in proximity to sunspots • fac·u·lar\-lə(r)\adjective • fac·u·lous\-ləs\adjective