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.