phrenology

[ fri-nol-uh-jee, fre- ]

/ frɪˈnɒl ə dʒi, frɛ- /

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noun

a psychological theory or analytical method based on the belief that certain mental faculties and character traits are indicated by the configurations of the skull.

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Origin of phrenology

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; phreno- + -logy

OTHER WORDS FROM phrenology

phren·o·log·ic

[fren-l-oj-ik], /ˌfrɛn lˈɒdʒ ɪk/, phren·o·log·i·cal, adjectivephren·o·log·i·cal·ly, adverbphre·nol·o·gist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use phrenology in a sentence

"Your Grace has not the organ of animal courage largely developed," said a phrenologist, who was examining Wellington's head.
How to Succeed|Orison Swett Marden
How wide and various are the channels through which the phrenologist derives his facts.
Buchanan's Journal of Man, February 1887|Various
Dr. Allen, a Phrenologist, gave us a short lecture this morning and examined a few heads, mine among them.
The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2)|Ida Husted Harper
George Combe, philosopher and phrenologist, studied especially social institutions.
Great Britain and the American Civil War|Ephraim Douglass Adams

The phrenologist, therefore, who essays to read your character, must be able to trace the signs of disease in your appearance.
How to Become Rich|William Windsor

British Dictionary definitions for phrenology

phrenology

/ (frɪˈnɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

(formerly) the branch of science concerned with localization of function in the human brain, esp determination of the strength of the faculties by the shape and size of the skull overlying the parts of the brain thought to be responsible for them

Derived forms of phrenology

phrenological (ˌfrɛnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl), adjectivephrenologist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for phrenology

phrenology

[ frĭ-nŏl′ə-jē ]

The study of the shape and protuberances of the skull, based on the now discredited belief that they reveal character and mental capacity.