physiognomic

Variant of physiognomy

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

Origin: 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 © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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