physiology

noun

phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy ˌfi-zē-ˈä-lə-jē 

1

: a branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (such as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved compare anatomy

2

: the organic processes and phenomena of an organism or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process

Did you know?

Physiology Has Latin Roots

The Latin root physio- generally means "physical", so human physiology deals with just about everything that keeps us alive and working, and other physiology specialties do the same for other animals and for plants. To do anything serious in the field of health, you've obviously got to know how the body's organs and cells function normally. Physiology used to be considered separately from anatomy, which focuses on the body's structures; however, it's now known that structure and function can't easily be separated in a scientific way, so "anatomy and physiology" are often spoken of in the same breath.

Examples of physiology in a Sentence

She took a course in anatomy and physiology.

the physiology of diseased plants

Recent Examples on the Web

Although your sleep-wake cycles are the most visible expression of circadian rhythms, these rhythms orchestrate most of your physiology. —Mackenzie Gamble, The Conversation, 10 Feb. 2025

Though such apps can be enlightening for female athletes looking for insights on their individual physiology, McNulty and her colleagues warn that there currently isn’t enough research to make standard recommendations related to period tracking and sport performance. —Susan Lacke, Outside Online, 2 Feb. 2025

Some models suggest the major could include sport-specific strategy courses, along with courses in nutrition, performance psychology and physiology. —Tania Ganguli, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025

This disparity has perpetuated significant gaps in our understanding of female athletes, particularly in areas such as physiology, psychology, and biomechanics. —Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin physiologia natural science, from Greek, from physi- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

physiology

noun

phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy ˌfiz-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

1

: a branch of biology dealing with the processes and activities by which life is carried on and which are special features of the functioning of living things, tissues, and cells

2

: the life processes and activities of a living thing or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process

Medical Definition

physiology

noun

phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy ˌfiz-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

plural physiologies

1

: a branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved compare anatomy sense 1, morphology sense 1

2

: the organic processes and phenomena of an organism or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process

the physiology of the thyroid gland

3

: a treatise on physiology