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Physiological Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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physiological

[ˌfɪziəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

biological processes

Physiological refers to the natural processes and functions of living organisms and their parts. It encompasses how organs, systems, and cells work together to maintain life. This term is often used in medicine to describe functions related to the body.

Synonyms

anatomical, biological, functional.

Examples of usage

  • Physiological responses to stress can vary from person to person.
  • The physiological effects of exercise include increased heart rate and improved circulation.
  • She studied the physiological changes that occur during puberty.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Physiological responses can include heart rate, breathing rate, and hormone levels during stress.
  • The endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating physiological processes by secreting hormones.
  • Homeostasis is a key physiological principle, referring to the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Health

  • Awareness of physiological signals, such as hunger or fatigue, is important for overall well-being.
  • Exercise significantly impacts physiological health, improving cardiovascular function and boosting mood.
  • Nutrition affects physiological functions; for example, proteins help build muscles and repair tissues.

Psychology

  • The mind-body connection shows how physiological actions affect mental health; stress can lead to physical symptoms.
  • Physiological reactions are key in understanding emotions, such as butterflies in your stomach when nervous.

Literature

  • In literature, authors often explore physiological responses to enhance character development and realism in storytelling.
  • Poets might use physiological sensations to evoke emotions, such as describing a racing heart or heavy breathing.

Origin of 'physiological'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'physiologos', where 'physio' means nature and 'logos' means study.
  • It was first used in the 16th century to describe the study of the body's functions and processes.

The term 'physiological' comes from the Greek word 'physiologia', which means the study of nature. It combines the word 'physis', referring to nature or natural order, and 'logia', meaning the study or discourse. The concept began to take shape in the 18th century when scientists began to systematically investigate the functions of living organisms. In the field of medicine and biology, 'physiology' emerged as a distinct discipline, focusing on how various biological systems operate and interact. Over time, the adjective 'physiological' was adopted to describe anything relating to these biological functions. Today, the term is prevalent in various scientific fields, particularly in medicine, where understanding physiological processes is essential for diagnosing and treating health issues.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,821, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.