ˌfizēˈä(g)nəmē, -mi noun
( -es )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Late Latin physiognomia ) of earlier phisnami, from Middle English fysnamye, phisnomye, phisonomie, from Middle French phisonomie, from Late Latin physiognomia, from Greek physiognōmia, alteration of physiognōmonia, from physi- + gnōmon-, gnōmōn interpreter, discerner + -ia -y — more at gnomon
1.
a. : the technique or art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance (as from facial features)
b. : divination by means of facial features : fortune-telling or a fortune told by one reading a face
2.
a. : the facial features that show the qualities of mind or character by peculiarities of configuration or cast or characteristic expression
a stern physiognomy indicative of great pride
broadly : characteristic facial appearance or type (as of a race or group)
a Grecian physiognomy
slender aristocratic physiognomy
b. obsolete : a representation of a human face
3. : external aspect : characteristic or peculiar contour ; also : inner character or quality as revealed outwardly
the physiognomy of a mountain
physiognomy of a political party
Synonyms: see face