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

Studying the creature’s body physiology, habitat, and genome showed that this is no ordinary slug. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2024

His interests dovetailed with those of John A. Larson, who had recently received a PhD in physiology from the University of California, Berkeley, and had a passion for justice. —Susan Saulny, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

Medications can produce rectal discharge by changing the physiology of your GI tract, causing tissue damage such as ulcers, changing your intestinal microbiota, or through unknown means. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024

Trailblazers The Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, and physiology or medicine were awarded this week to bright minds who have made groundbreaking discoveries and advances. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 Oct. 2024

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