circadian

[sur-key-dee-uh n, -kad-ee-, sur-kuh-dee-uh n]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR circadian ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

noting or pertaining to rhythmic biological cycles recurring at approximately 24-hour intervals.

Origin of circadian

1955–60; < Latin circā about + di(ēs) day + -an

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for circadian

regularly, often, periodic, constantly, regular, routine, everyday, day-to-day, ordinary, commonplace, common, quotidian, cyclic, diurnal

Examples from the Web for circadian

Contemporary Examples of circadian

Bright light is what keeps our circadian rhythms in good order.
Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder With This New Tracker
DailyBurn
November 7, 2014
Lighting signals your body's circadian rhythm and can have a strong effect on your mood.
Change Your Sense: Biohacking for Beginners
Ari Meisel
March 18, 2014
“One of the most important things you can do for your sleep is to have a routine to keep your circadian rhythm normal,” says Suh.
Can’t Sleep? Your Guide to a Better Night’s Rest
DailyBurn
January 24, 2014

British Dictionary definitions for circadian

circadian

adjective

of or relating to biological processes that occur regularly at about 24-hour intervals, even in the absence of periodicity in the environmentSee also biological clock

Word Origin for circadian

C20: from Latin circa about + diēs day

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for circadian

adj.

coined 1959 from Latin circa "about" (see circa) + diem, accusative singular of dies "day" (see diurnal). The original use is in circadian rhythm.

circadian in Medicine

circadian

[sər-kā′dē-ən, -kăd′ē-, sûr′kə-dī′ən, -dē′-]

adj.

Relating to biological variations or rhythms with a cycle of about 24 hours.