physiology

American  

[fiz-ee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌfɪz iˈɒl ə dʒi /

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.

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physiology British  

/ 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

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physiology Scientific  

/ fĭz′ē-ŏl′ə-jē /

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.

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physiology Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• physiologist noun

Etymology

Origin of physiology

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

Compare meaning

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

• physiology vs. biology

Example Sentences

The New-York Tribune published a letter from Dr. Lee further explaining the physiology and acoustic science behind his claim.

From Literature

According to senior author Isha Jain, PhD, a Gladstone Investigator, core investigator at Arc Institute, and professor of biochemistry at UC San Francisco, the study resolves a longstanding question in physiology.

From Science Daily

They depend on a delicate balance of climate, tree physiology, and farming techniques.

From BBC

Arutyunyan, who began coaching in his native Armenia, was first trained in the Soviet style that relied on biomechanics and physiology to unlock efficient jumping techniques.

From Los Angeles Times

"This work highlights a new way environmental change can affect marine ecosystems, not simply by limiting resources, but by disrupting the internal physiology of dominant microorganisms," Cheng said.

From Science Daily