phrenology

[ fri-nol-uh-jee, fre- ]
/ frɪˈnɒl ə dʒi, frɛ- /

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.

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, adjective phren·o·log·i·cal·ly, adverb phre·nol·o·gist, noun

Example sentences from the Web for phrenology

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), adjective phrenologist, noun

Medical definitions for phrenology

phrenology
[ frĭ-nŏlə-jē ]

n.

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