allostasis

[ al-uh-stey-sis ]

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. Compare homeostasis ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of allostasis¹

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