PHRENOLOGICAL Meaning and
Definition
-
Phrenological is an adjective that pertains to or is associated with phrenology, the study of the shape, size, and contours of the skull as indicators of the mental and intellectual traits of an individual. Derived from the Greek words "phrēn" meaning "mind" or "brain" and "logos" meaning "study" or "knowledge," phrenology was an early pseudoscience popular in the 19th century.
The term phrenological is often used to describe ideas, theories, or practices based on phrenology. It refers to the belief that specific mental faculties and personality traits can be determined by feeling the shape of the cranium, as each region of the brain was believed to control distinct aspects of human behavior. Phrenology aimed to map these functions by examining the skull's bumps and depressions, assessing the corresponding character traits.
While phrenological ideas were influential during its heyday, it is now classified as a pseudoscience due to its unfounded claims and flawed methodology. Despite its lack of empirical evidence, phrenological ideas had an impact on early scientific thinking, contributing to the development of modern neurology and psychology.
Today, the term phrenological is mainly used in a historical context or metaphorically to criticize theories or practices that are deemed outdated, simplistic, or lacking scientific validity. It serves as a reminder of the fallibility of past attempts to understand the complexities of the human mind and behavior solely through skull analysis.
-
Pert. to or according to phrenology.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PHRENOLOGICAL
- ohrenological
- lhrenological
- -hrenological
- 0hrenological
- pgrenological
- pbrenological
- pnrenological
- pjrenological
- purenological
- pyrenological
- pheenological
- phdenological
- phfenological
- phtenological
- ph5enological
- ph4enological
- phrwnological
- phrsnological
- phrdnological
- phrenoligical
- frenological
- crenological
- Phrenologicly
Etymology of PHRENOLOGICAL
The word "phrenological" is derived from two Greek roots: "phrēn" meaning "mind" or "brain", and "logia" meaning "study" or "knowledge". Combining these roots, "phrenological" refers to the study or knowledge of the mind or brain. The term specifically refers to the pseudoscience of phrenology, which emerged in the 19th century and claimed that different areas of the skull corresponded to specific mental faculties.
Similar spelling words for PHRENOLOGICAL
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
