allostasis

noun

al·​lo·​sta·​sis ˌa-lō-ˈstā-səs 

: the process by which a state of internal, physiological equilibrium is maintained by an organism in response to actual or perceived environmental and psychological stressors

Therefore, allostasis is the process that keeps the organism alive and functioning, i.e. maintaining homeostasis or "maintaining stability through change" and promoting adaptation and coping, at least in the short run.

—Bruce S. McEwen, Neurobiology of Aging, 2002

allostatic

ˌa-lō-ˈsta-tik 

adjective

an allostatic state

allostatic systems

Word History

Etymology

allo- + -stasis

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

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