physiography

[ fiz-ee-og-ruh-fee ]

noun

1. the science of physical geography.
2. (formerly) geomorphology.
3. the systematic description of nature in general.

physiography

/ ˌfɪzɪəˈɡræfɪk; ˌfɪzɪˈɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. another name for geomorphology physical geography

physiography

/ fĭz′ē-ŏg′rə-fē /

1. See physical geography

Derived Forms

• ˌphysiˈographer, noun
• ˌphysioˈgraphically, adverb
• physiographic, adjective

Other Words From

• physi·ogra·pher noun
• phys·i·o·graph·ic [fiz-ee-, uh, -, graf, -ik], physi·o·graphi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of physiography¹

First recorded in 1820–30; physio- + -graphy

Example Sentences

Areas for new national parks are chosen based on how well they “portray the geology, physiography, vegetation, wildlife, and ecosystem diversity characteristic of the natural region,” according to Parks Canada.

From Popular-Science

The popular meaning is better conveyed by the word physiography, a Physical geography.

From Project Gutenberg

Distribution of certain cold-blooded animals in Louisiana in relationship to the geology and physiography of the state.

From Project Gutenberg

To the west of Kashgar the central depression is limited by General physiography.

From Project Gutenberg

Physiography is a phase of geology which investigates the surface features of the earth.

From Project Gutenberg

The three divisions of the isthmus recognized in the account of the physiography serve equally well in describing the vegetation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• earth science
• geology
• geopolitics
• topography