Definition of "physiognomy" [phys•i•og•no•my]

• The art of judging human character from facial features. (noun)
• Divination based on facial features. (noun)
• Facial features, especially when regarded as revealing character. (noun)
• Aspect and character of an inanimate or abstract entity: the physiognomy of New England. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "These Tartars do not differ much in physiognomy from the Chinese."
• "But our physiognomy is only a part of the equation."
• "Remember that his very physiognomy is a cipher the key to which it behooves you to search for most diligently."