lineaments
UK: ˈlɪnɪəmənts | US: ˈlɪniəmənts
n. the distinctive features or contours of a face or body
n. (figuratively) the characteristic outlines or features of something abstract (e.g., ideas, landscapes)
Derived from Latin lineamentum ("a stroke, outline"), from linea ("line") + -mentum (suffix forming nouns denoting instruments or results). The morpheme "line" preserves its core meaning of a linear mark, while "-ments" abstracts the concept into a collective result (e.g., facial "strokes" forming recognizable features). The word evolved in Middle English to emphasize defining contours, reflecting the logical progression from physical lines to figurative outlines.
The artist captured the delicate lineaments of her profile with precise pencil strokes.
Geological erosion revealed the ancient lineaments of the valley.
His novel sketches the moral lineaments of a decaying society.
The detective noted the lineaments of the suspect’s face in his report.
Modern architecture often obscures the lineaments of traditional design.