complexion

or com·plec·tion

[ kuh m-plek-shuh n ]
/ kəmˈplɛk ʃən /

noun

the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face: a clear, smooth, rosy complexion.
appearance; aspect; character: His confession put a different complexion on things.
viewpoint, attitude, or conviction: one's political complexion.
(in old physiology) constitution or nature of body and mind, regarded as the result of certain combined qualities.
Obsolete. nature; disposition; temperament.

Origin of complexion

1300–50; Middle English < Medieval Latin complexiōn- (stem of complexiō) constitution, temperament, Latin: combination, group, literally, the act of embracing. See complex, -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM complexion

com·plex·ion·al, adjective com·plex·ion·al·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for complexion

British Dictionary definitions for complexion

complexion
/ (kəmˈplɛkʃən) /

noun

the colour and general appearance of a person's skin, esp of the face
aspect, character, or nature the general complexion of a nation's finances
obsolete
  1. the temperament of a person
  2. the temperature and general appearance of the body

Derived forms of complexion

complexional, adjective

Word Origin for complexion

C14: from medical Latin complexiō one's bodily characteristics, from Latin: a combination, from complectī to embrace; see complex

Medical definitions for complexion

complexion
[ kəm-plĕkshən ]

n.

The natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face.