physiology

[fiz-ee-ol-uh-jee]

noun

1. the branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, including all physical and chemical processes.

2. the organic processes or functions in an organism or in any of its parts.

physiology

/ ˌfɪzɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of science concerned with the functioning of organisms

2. the processes and functions of all or part of an organism

physiology

1. The scientific study of an organism's vital functions, including growth and development, the absorption and processing of nutrients, the synthesis and distribution of proteins and other organic molecules, and the functioning of different tissues, organs, and other anatomic structures. Physiology studies the normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical processes of animals and plants.

physiology

1. The study of the function of living things, including processes such as nutrition, movement, and reproduction. (Compare anatomy and morphology.)

Other Word Forms

• physiologist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of physiology¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin physiologia, from Greek physiología “science of natural causes and phenomena”; physio-, -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of physiology¹

C16: from Latin physiologia, from Greek

Example Sentences

They are also exploring how far human physiology can be pushed.

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"These things are not rocket science, but they're really fundamental to having a good, healthy circadian rhythm and a good healthy physiology through the winter."

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It was true, and in 1962, Watson, Crick and another researcher, Maurice Wilkins, were awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine.

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"We brought together genetic analysis, plant physiology and microbiology, allowing us to ask and answer questions that couldn't have been addressed before."

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Nutritional physiology researcher Dr Freyja Haigh said they had not seen a detriment to Mr James' overall health from the fortnightly blood samples he sent to them.

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