physiological

American

[fiz-ee-uh-loj-i-kuhl] / ˌfɪz i əˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl /

Often physiologic

adjective

of or relating to physiology.
consistent with the normal functioning of an organism.

Other Word Forms

nonphysiologic adjective
nonphysiological adjective
nonphysiologically adverb
physiologically adverb
unphysiological adjective
unphysiologically adverb

Etymology

Origin of physiological

First recorded in 1600–10; physiolog(y) + -ical

Compare meaning

How does physiological compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

physiological vs. psychological

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"There's often a physiological and emotional impact that's shared and that isn't given the same weight as the physical impact maybe because it's more difficult to see."

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

The study is investigating the safety and tolerability of LX9851, how it moves through the body and its physiological and biological impacts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

That purported healing is taking place at “Free Spirits Wellness Center,” a mock-up clinic led by Sting dedicated to advance physiological and cognitive expansion for people working under intense pressure.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

By focusing on how foods feel and stimulate the nervous system, researchers suggest it may be possible to design next-generation foods that combine appealing taste, beneficial physiological effects, and improved palatability.

From Science Daily • Feb. 7, 2026

Depending on each person’s acclimatization and physiological makeup, we would still be able to function above the South Col—but not well, and not for long.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023