1 a the cast or form of a person's features, expression, body, etc. b the art of supposedly judging character from facial characteristics etc.
2 the external features of a landscape etc.
3 a characteristic, esp. moral, aspect.
Derivatives:
physiognomic adj. physiognomical adj. physiognomically adv. physiognomist n.
Etymology: ME fisnomie etc. f. OF phisonomie f. med.L phisonomia f. Gk phusiognomonia judging of a man's nature (by his features) (as PHYSIO-, gnomon judge)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.