11.2 physiognomy

11.2 physiognomy- 

the art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance

2

: the facial features held to show qualities of mind or character by their configuration or expression

3

: external aspect; also : inner character or quality revealed outwardly

I found this word on page 90 of The Cairo Diary by Maxim Chattam.  I have been trying to get through this book for over a year.  I keep it in my car and read it whenever I am waiting somewhere but I have not had my car for awhile so I have not been reading it at all.  But I just got my car back and I started reading it again while waiting at the Dr.'s office for my x-ray results.  "Azim searched his English vocabulary before saying, 'The killer's physiognomy.  Perhaps he is as ugly on the outside as he is on the inside.'" (Chattam, Page 90). I find this interesting because I have heard in the past that criminals often have faces that are too symmetrical  and that beautiful people have a slight anti-symmetry to their faces.  It is interesting but I am not convinced that it is accurate.  Though I do believe there are people that can read faces and body language and tell if someone is lying or telling the truth. The more they hone those skills the better they get at it.