physiology

[fiz-ee-ol-uh-jee]

noun

1. the branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, including all physical and chemical processes.

2. the organic processes or functions in an organism or in any of its parts.

physiology

/ ˌfɪzɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of science concerned with the functioning of organisms

2. the processes and functions of all or part of an organism

physiology

1. The scientific study of an organism's vital functions, including growth and development, the absorption and processing of nutrients, the synthesis and distribution of proteins and other organic molecules, and the functioning of different tissues, organs, and other anatomic structures. Physiology studies the normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical processes of animals and plants.

physiology

1. The study of the function of living things, including processes such as nutrition, movement, and reproduction. (Compare anatomy and morphology.)

Other Word Forms

• physiologist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of physiology¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin physiologia, from Greek physiología “science of natural causes and phenomena”; physio-, -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of physiology¹

C16: from Latin physiologia, from Greek

Example Sentences

Firefighters, too, will don uniforms with intelligent fabrics that will allow commanders to monitor their heart rates and other physiology metrics to spot a crew member in distress.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Andrew Scott, senior lecturer in clinical exercise physiology at the University of Portsmouth, agrees the exact number isn't important.

From BBC

Some of these rhythms are influenced by pure physiology: Walking, swimming and having a heartbeat are all rhythmic.

From Salon

“Along the way, he helps audiences understand their own physiologies and how to improve their overall performance, health and well-being.”

From Los Angeles Times

And El-Mallakh, the director of the Mood Disorders Research Program at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, noted that determining the brain physiology behind depression wasn’t necessarily important so long as patient symptoms improve.

From Salon