Physiognomy

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /fɪziˈɒnÉ™mi/

Alternative forms

• visnomie, visnomy obsolete

Origin

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

Full definition of physiognomy

Noun

1. The art or pseudoscience of deducing the predominant temper and other characteristic qualities of the mind from the outward appearance, especially from the features of the face.
2. The face or countenance, with respect to the temper of the mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of countenance, as denoting character.
3. The art of telling fortunes by inspection of the features.
4. The general appearance or aspect of a thing, without reference to its scientific characteristics; as, the physiognomy of a plant, or of a meteor.

Synonyms

Related terms

• physiognomist