Physiognomy Definition

fĭzē-ŏgnə-mē, -ŏnə-mē
physiognomies
noun
physiognomies
The practice of trying to judge character and mental qualities by observation of bodily, esp. facial, features.
Webster's New World
The facial features and expression of a person, esp. when regarded as indicative of character.
Webster's New World
Apparent characteristics; outward features or appearance.
Webster's New World
Aspect and character of an inanimate or abstract entity.
The physiognomy of New England.
American Heritage

The face or countenance, with respect to the temper of the mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of countenance, as denoting character.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Physiognomy

Noun

Singular:
physiognomy
Plural:
physiognomies

Origin of Physiognomy

  • From Anglo-Norman phisenomie, Middle French phisonomie et al., and their source, Late Latin physiognomia, from Ancient Greek φυσιογνωμονία (phusiognōmonia, “the science or art of judging a man by his features"), from φύσις (phusis, “physique, appearance") + γνώμων (gnōmōn, “one that knows or examines, an interpreter, discerner").

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English phisonomie from Old French phisionomie from Late Latin physiognōmia from Greek phusiognōmiā variant of phusiognōmoniā phusio- physio- gnōmōn gnōmon- interpreter gnō- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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