Part 256

Phys`i*co-the*ol"o*gy (?), n. [Physico- + theology.] Theology or divinity illustrated or enforced by physics or natural philosophy.

Phys"ics (?), n. [See Physic.] The science of nature, or of natural objects; that branch of science which treats of the laws and properties of matter, and the forces acting upon it; especially, that department of natural science which treats of the causes (as gravitation, heat, light, magnetism, electricity, etc.) that modify the general properties of bodies; natural philosophy.

Chemistry, though a branch of general physics, is commonly treated as a science by itself, and the application of physical principles which it involves constitute a branch called chemical physics, which treats more especially of those physical properties of matter which are used by chemists in defining and distinguishing substances.

Phys"i*o*crat (?), n. [Gr. fy`sis nature + &?; to rule.] One of the followers of Quesnay of France, who, in the 18th century, founded a system of political economy based upon the supremacy of natural order. F. A. Walker. -- Phys`i*o*crat"ic (#), a.

Phys`i*og"e*ny (?), n. [Gr. fy`sis nature + root of &?; to be born.] (Biol.) The germ history of the functions, or the history of the development of vital activities, in the individual, being one of the branches of ontogeny. See Morphogeny. Haeckel.

Phys`i*og"no*mer (?), n. Physiognomist.

{ Phys`i*og*nom"ic (?), Phys`i*og*nom"ic*al (?), } a. [Gr. &?;: cf. F. physiognomonique.] Of or pertaining to physiognomy; according with the principles of physiognomy. -- Phys`i*og*nom"ic*al*ly, adv.

Phys`i*og*nom"ist (?), n. Same as Physiognomy, 1.

Phys`i*og"no*mist (?), n. [Cf. F. physiognomiste.] 1. One skilled in physiognomy. Dryden.

2. One who tells fortunes by physiognomy. Holland.

Phys`i*og"no*mize (?), v. t. To observe and study the physiognomy of. [R.] Southey.

Phys`i*og`no*mmon"ic (?), a. Physiognomic.

Phys`i*og"no*my (?), n.; pl. Physiognomies (#). [OE. fisonomie, phisonomie, fisnamie, OF. phisonomie, F. physiognomie, physiognomonie, from Gr. &?;; fy`sis nature + &?; one who knows or examines, a judge, fr. &?;, &?;, to know. See Physic, and Know, and cf. Phiz.] 1. The art and science of discovering the predominant temper, and other characteristic qualities of the mind, by the outward appearance, especially by the features of the face.

2. The face or countenance, with respect to the temper of the mind; particular configuration, cast, or expression of countenance, as denoting character.

3. The art telling fortunes by inspection of the features. [Obs.] Bale.

4. The general appearance or aspect of a thing, without reference to its scientific characteristics; as, the physiognomy of a plant, or of a meteor.

Phys`i*og"o*ny (?), n. [Gr. fy`sis nature + go`nos birth.] The birth of nature. [R.] Coleridge.

{ Phys`i*o*graph"ic (?), Phys`i*o*graph"ic*al (?), } a. [Cf. F. physiographique.] Of or pertaining to physiography.

Phys`i*og"ra*phy (?), n. [Gr. fy`sis nature + -graphy: cf. F. physiographie.] The science which treats of the earth's exterior physical features, climate, life, etc., and of the physical movements or changes on the earth's surface, as the currents of the atmosphere and ocean, the secular variations in heat, moisture, magnetism, etc.; physical geography.

Phys`i*ol"a*try (?), n. [Gr. fy`sis nature + &?; service.] The worship of the powers or agencies of nature; materialism in religion; nature worship. "The physiolatry of the Vedas." M. Williams.

Phys`i*ol"o*ger (?), n. A physiologist.

Phys`i*o*log"ic (?), a. [L. physiologicus, Gr. &?;: cf. F. physiologique.] Physiological.

Phys`i*o*log"ic*al (?), a. Of or pertaining to physiology; relating to the science of the functions of living organism; as, physiological botany or chemistry.

Phys`i*o*log"ic*al*ly, adv. In a physiological manner.

Phys`i*ol"o*gist (?), n. [Cf. F. physiologiste.] One who is versed in the science of physiology; a student of the properties and functions of animal and vegetable organs and tissues.

Phys`i*ol"o*gize (?), v. i. To speculate in physiology; to make physiological investigations. Cudworth.

Phys`i*ol"o*gy (?), n.; pl. Physiologies (#). [L. physiologia, Gr. &?;; fy`sis nature + &?; discourse: cf. F. physiologie.] 1. The science which treats of the phenomena of living organisms; the study of the processes incidental to, and characteristic of, life.

It is divided into animal and vegetable physiology, dealing with animal and vegetable life respectively. When applied especially to a study of the functions of the organs and tissues in man, it is called human physiology.