physiognomy

/ˌfɪziˈɑɡnəmi/
noun
  1. The general appearance or features of a person's face, especially as a way of judging their character or mood.
    • The detective studied the suspect's physiognomy for any sign of nervousness.
    • Her gentle physiognomy made everyone trust her immediately.
    • In old paintings, artists often exaggerated a ruler's physiognomy to show power.
  2. The outward appearance or features of a landscape, object, or thing.
    • The physiognomy of the desert changes dramatically after a rare rainfall.
    • The physiognomy of the mountain range was shaped by ancient glaciers.
    • Urban planners studied the physiognomy of the old city before designing new streets.
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