allostasis

American  

[al-uh-stey-sis] / ˌæl əˈsteɪ sɪs /

noun

1. the process of continual change by which an organism adjusts its internal functions, such as temperature, blood pressure, etc., in response to activity or the environment so as to maintain physiological stability.

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Etymology

Origin of allostasis

First recorded in 1985–90; allo- ( def. ) + stasis ( def. )

Example Sentences

Sleeping soundly and following wakefulness patterns help the brain efficiently maintain the body’s energy balance, a process known as allostasis, said Barrett, the Northeastern professor.

From Washington Post • Mar. 1, 2021

Indeed, because of its sensitivity to social circumstances, allostasis is in many ways better than homeostasis for explaining modern chronic diseases.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2016

The human body is an open system and "allostasis" is a better way to conceptually understand all diseases.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2016

To explain these things, some experts have proposed an alternative theory to homeostasis: allostasis.

From New York Times • Aug. 6, 2016

In turn, the ability to cope with changing environments and stress is encompassed in the principle of allostasis — the physiological or behavioural changes required to stabilize the biological system.

From Nature • Dec. 21, 2011