physiography

[ fiz-ee-og-ruh-fee ]

noun

1. the science of physical geography.
2. (formerly) geomorphology.
3. the systematic description of nature in general.

physiography

/ ˌfɪzɪəˈɡræfɪk; ˌfɪzɪˈɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. another name for geomorphology physical geography

physiography

/ fĭz′ē-ŏg′rə-fē /

1. See physical geography

Derived Forms

• ˌphysiˈographer, noun
• ˌphysioˈgraphically, adverb
• physiographic, adjective

Other Words From

• physi·ogra·pher noun
• phys·i·o·graph·ic [fiz-ee-, uh, -, graf, -ik], physi·o·graphi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of physiography¹

First recorded in 1820–30; physio- + -graphy

Example Sentences

Such is the native physiography and anthropogenesis of the land of the Oregon.

From Project Gutenberg

The evolution of the species-groups of Smilisca was effected through isolation by physical barriers in the Cenozoic; the differentiation of the species was initiated by further isolation of populations by changes in physiography and climate.

From Project Gutenberg

It may be concluded that the present physiography of the land is proximately due solely to the action of the denuding agents—rain, frost, rivers, and the sea.

From Project Gutenberg

In still more western fields of research much additional light has been thrown since 1875 on the physiography of the great deserts and oases of Arabia.

From Project Gutenberg

The physical geography of Canada is so closely bound up with its geology that at least an outline of the geological factors involved in its history is necessary to understand the present physiography.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• earth science
• geology
• geopolitics
• topography