First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
physiognomy
noun phys·i·og·no·my \ˌfi-zē-ˈä(g)-nə-mē\
: the appearance of a person's face : a person's facial features
plural phys·i·og·no·mies
Full Definition of PHYSIOGNOMY
1
: the art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance
2
: the facial features held to show qualities of mind or character by their configuration or expression
3
: external aspect; also : inner character or quality revealed outwardly
See physiognomy defined for English-language learners
See physiognomy defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PHYSIOGNOMY
Middle English phisonomie, from Anglo-French phisenomie, from Late Latin physiognomonia, physiognomia, from Greek physiognōmonia, from physiognōmōn judging character by the features, from physis nature, physique, appearance + gnōmōn interpreter — more at gnomon
Medical Dictionary
physiognomy
noun phys·i·og·no·my \ˌfiz-ē-ˈä(g)-nə-mē\
plural phys·i·og·no·mies
Medical Definition of PHYSIOGNOMY
1
: the art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance
2
: the facial features held to show qualities of mind or character by their configuration or expression
Learn More About PHYSIOGNOMY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: physiogonyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: physiognomonicAll Words Near: physiognomy
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up physiognomy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).