physiognomic

Variant of physiognomy

physiognomy definition

physi·og·nomy (fiz′ē äg′nə mē; chiefly Brit, -än′ə mē)

noun

  1. the practice of trying to judge character and mental qualities by observation of bodily, esp. facial, features
  2. facial features and expression, esp. as supposedly indicative of character; the face
  3. apparent characteristics; outward features or appearance

Etymology: ME fisonomie < MFr phisonomie < ML physonomia < Gr physiognōmonia < physis, nature (see physic) + gnōmōn, one who knows: see gnomon

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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