noun
phrenology
fruh-NOL-uh-jee
Phrenology (noun) means a pseudoscience that claimed to link a person's character to the shape of their skull. Example: “Phrenology involved feeling the bumps on a person's head.”
noun
1
historical A pseudoscience that claimed to link a person's character to the shape of their skull.
"Phrenology involved feeling the bumps on a person's head."
"Nobody takes phrenology seriously as a science today."
"The museum has a plaster head marked up for phrenology."
How to use phrenology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old, discredited idea that bumps on the skull reveal personality.
When to use it
Usually used in a historical or dismissive sense.
Memory tip
Phrenology is a pseudoscience, so describe it as a belief rather than as a proven method.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
phenology
Common pairings
study of phrenology
phrenology bust
phrenology chart
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_____ involved feeling the bumps on a person's head.
Etymology
Formed in English from the combining forms phreno- and -logy.
Synonyms
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cranioscopy
Rhymes for phrenology
See all rhymes for phrenology →Frequently asked questions
What is phrenology?
Phrenology is a pseudoscience that claimed to link a person's character to the shape of their skull. It is not accepted as real science.
Is phrenology the same as phenology?
No. They are different words with different meanings, and the two are easy to mix up.
How do you say phrenology?
It is said fruh-NOL-uh-jee, with the stress on the second syllable.
What is the meaning of phrenology?
"phrenology" (noun) means a pseudoscience that claimed to link a person's character to the shape of their skull.
