Definition

A person who studies the shape and size of the skull to determine character and mental abilities, based on the now-discredited practice of phrenology.

Example

The phrenologist examined the skull to provide insights into the person's personality traits.

Conversation

Did you know that some people actually study the shape of the skull to understand personality traits?

Really? That's interesting! What's that called?

It's called phrenology, and a phrenologist can tell a lot based on the bumps on your head.

Wow, that's pretty wild! I wonder what they would say about me.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Phrenologist → It is formed from "phren" (from Greek "phrenos", meaning mind or diaphragm) and "-logist" (from Greek "logia", meaning study or discourse). A phrenologist is someone who studies the mind, particularly through the shape and features of the skull.

Memory Tip

Think of 'phren' relating to the 'mind' and '-logist' meaning 'one who studies'. This helps you remember that a phrenologist is someone who studies the mind.

Visually Confused Words