Main Entry: phys·i·og·no·my

Pronunciation: \ˌfi-zē-ˈä(g)-nə-mē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural phys·i·og·no·mies

Etymology: 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

Date: 14th century

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