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

Wang and his crew will conduct 22 experiments during the spaceflight related to human health and physiology while in orbit that will provide insights for future long-duration missions deep into the cosmos. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025

Evolving research Every mission that carries people into space offers a chance to observe how the journey affects human physiology. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025

According to her, women and girls should undergo regular fittings for sports bras to accommodate natural physiology fluctuations, whether due to hormones or changes in lifestyle. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

But muscle loss depends largely on individual factors, like physiology and age. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 18 Mar. 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

Rhymes for physiology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

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