physiography
|phys-i-o-graph-y|
🇺🇸
/ˌfɪziˈɑːɡrəfi/
🇬🇧
/ˌfɪziˈɒɡrəfi/
description/study of Earth's physical features
Etymology
'physiography' originates from New Latin/Greek roots: the prefix 'physio-' from Greek 'physis' meaning 'nature', and the suffix '-graphy' from Greek 'graphia' meaning 'writing' or 'description'.
'physiography' was formed in English in the 19th century from the combining forms 'physio-' + '-graphy' (similar formations appeared in French as 'physiographie'), and came to be used as a term for descriptive physical geography and the study of landforms.
Initially used chiefly for descriptive accounts of natural features ('description of nature'), its meaning broadened to cover the scientific study of Earth's physical features and processes (physical geography/geomorphology).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the branch of geography that deals with the natural features and processes of the Earth's surface (physical geography, especially the description of landforms and surface features).
She specialized in physiography to better understand how rivers shape landscapes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a description, account, or representation of the physical features of a region (its topography, landforms, drainage, soils, etc.).
The physiography of the coastal plain is characterized by low, flat terrain and numerous estuaries.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/13 04:14