physiognomy
the face or countenance, especially when considered as an index to the character: a fierce physiognomy.
Also called anthroposcopy. the art of determining character or personal characteristics from the form or features of the body, especially of the face.
the outward appearance of anything, taken as offering some insight into its character: the physiognomy of a nation.
Origin of physiognomy
1Other words from physiognomy
- phys·i·og·nom·ic [fiz-ee-og-nom-ik, ‐ee-uh-nom‐], /ˌfɪz i ɒgˈnɒm ɪk, ‐i əˈnɒm‐/, phys·i·og·nom·i·cal, phys·i·og·no·mon·ic [fiz-ee-og-nuh-mon-ik, ‐on-uh‐], /ˌfɪz iˌɒg nəˈmɒn ɪk, ‐ˌɒn ə‐/, phys·i·og·no·mon·i·cal, adjective
- phys·i·og·nom·i·cal·ly, phys·i·og·no·mon·i·cal·ly, adverb
- phys·i·og·no·mist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use physiognomy in a sentence
Two pairs of eyes, two smiles, two human physiognomies once again met his arrested gaze.
The Wave | Algernon BlackwoodThe Mahomedans and Jews have more marked features; the latter resemble the Arabs, and, like them, have noble physiognomies.
A Woman's Journey Round the World | Ida PfeifferAt the bedside of their patients the physiognomies of these fashionable doctors become expert in lying.
The Nabob | Alphonse DaudetGenerally their physiognomies are pleasing, but they cannot be said to have much character.
Celebrated Travels and Travellers | Jules VerneThey are, however, also less disposed to riots and disturbances than the darker physiognomies.
Secret Societies And Subversive Movements | Nesta H. Webster
British Dictionary definitions for physiognomy
/ (ˌfɪzɪˈɒnəmɪ) /
a person's features or characteristic expression considered as an indication of personality
the art or practice of judging character from facial features
the outward appearance of something, esp the physical characteristics of a geographical region
Origin of physiognomy
1Derived forms of physiognomy
- physiognomic (ˌfɪzɪəˈnɒmɪk) or physiognomical, adjective
- physiognomically, adverb
- physiognomist, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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