complexion

complexion
complexion mid-14c., "bodily constitution," from O.Fr. complexion, complession "combination of humors," hence "temperament, character, make-up," from L. complexionem (nom. complexio) "combination" (in L.L., "physical constitution"), from complexus (see COMPLEX (Cf. complex)). Meaning "appearance of the skin of the face" is first recorded mid-15c. In medieval physiology, the color of the face indicated temperament or health.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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Synonyms:
, , (of the face) / , ,


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  • complexion — [ kɔ̃plɛksjɔ̃ ] n. f. • XIIe; lat. complexio → complexe 1 ♦ Littér. Ensemble des éléments constitutifs du corps humain. ⇒ constitution, nature, tempérament. Une complexion délicate, faible; robuste. « La peste détruisait surtout les complexions… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • Complexion — Com*plex ion (k[o^]m*pl[e^]k sh[u^]n), n. [F. complexion, fr. L. complexio. See {Complex}, a.] 1. The state of being complex; complexity. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] Though the terms of propositions may be complex, yet . . . it is properly called a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • complexion — COMPLEXION. s. f. Tempérament, constitution du corps. Bonne, mauvaise complexion. Robuste, foible, délicate, forte complexion. Complexion mélancolique. Complexion bilieuse. Complexion triste, gaie, etc. Cela est contraire, nuisible à sa… …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie Française 1798

  • complexion — COMPLEXION. s. f. Temperament, constitution du corps. Bonne, mauvaise complexion. robuste, foible, delicate, forte complexion. complexion melancolique. complexion bilieuse &c. cela est contraire, nuisible à sa complexion. il le faut traitter… …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie française

  • complexion — Complexion, Une complexion bien disposée, AEqualis temperies. La complexion d aucun, Natura et mores alicuius. C est sa complexion, Ita natus est. B. Quand l homme retire à la complexion d une femme, et fait actes de femme plus que d homme,… …   Thresor de la langue françoyse

  • complexión — sustantivo femenino 1. Área: fisiología Constitución física de una persona o animal: un hombre de complexión fuerte, complexión débil, complexión atlética, complexión fina, complexión gruesa …   Diccionario Salamanca de la Lengua Española

  • complexión — ‘Constitución física’: «Impresionaba por su desfachatez, su complexión esmirriada y sus mechas oxigenadas» (Hoy [Chile] 13 19.1.97). Debe evitarse su uso como sinónimo de tez, registrado en algunas zonas de América por calco del inglés complexion …   Diccionario panhispánico de dudas

  • complexion — I noun apparent character, apparent state appearance, aspect, carriage, character, color, contour, demeanor, display, disposition, external appearance, facet, fashion, favor, feature, figure, form, guise, image, impression, look, manifestation,… …   Law dictionary

  • complexion — [n1] skin coloring, appearance cast, color, coloration, coloring, flush, front, glow, hue, looks, mug*, phiz*, pigmentation, skin, skin tone, texture, tinge, tint, tone; concepts 405,622 complexion [n2] someone’s character appearance, aspect,… …   New thesaurus

  • complexion — [kəm plek′shən] n. [ME complexioun < OFr complexion, combination of humors, hence temperament < L complexio, combination < complexus: see COMPLEX] 1. a) Historical the combination of the qualities of cold, heat, dryness, and moisture, or …   English World dictionary

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