physiognomy

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phys·i·og·no·my / ˌfizēˈä(g)nəmē/ • n. (pl. -mies) a person's facial features or expression, esp. when regarded as indicative of character or ethnic origin. ∎  the supposed art of judging character from facial characteristics. ∎  the general form or appearance of something: the physiognomy of the landscape.DERIVATIVES: phys·i·og·nom·ic / ˌfizēəˈnämik/ adj.phys·i·og·nom·i·cal / ˌfizēəˈnämikəl/ adj.phys·i·og·nom·i·cal·ly / ˌfizēəˈnämik(ə)lē/ adv.

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