physiology

phys·i·ol·o·gy

noun \ˌfi-zē-ˈä-lə-jē\

Definition of PHYSIOLOGY

1

: a branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved — compare anatomy

2

: the organic processes and phenomena of an organism or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process

— phys·i·ol·o·gist \-jist\ noun

Examples of PHYSIOLOGY

1. She took a course in anatomy and physiology.
2. the physiology of diseased plants

Origin of PHYSIOLOGY

Latin physiologia natural science, from Greek, from physi- + -logia -logy

First Known Use: 1615

Other Physiology Terms

eructation, flux, gustatory, menarche, myopia, senescence, torpor

Rhymes with PHYSIOLOGY

anthropology, archaeology, cardiology, climatology, cosmetology, criminology, dermatology, Egyptology, entomology, eschatology, etiology, etymology, futurology, genealogy, gerontology, glaciology, gynecology, hematology, herpetology, ideology, immunology, kremlinology, laryngology, lexicology, Mariology, martyrology, methodology, mineralogy, musicology, numerology, oceanology, ophthalmology, ornithology, pharmacology, phraseology, primatology, radiology, reflexology, rheumatology, semiology, sociology, terminology, thanatology, toxicology, urbanology, volcanology, vulcanology

phys·i·ol·o·gy

noun \ˌfiz-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural phys·i·ol·o·gies

Medical Definition of PHYSIOLOGY

1

: a branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved—compare anatomy 1, morphology 1

2

: the organic processes and phenomena of an organism or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process <the physiology of the thyroid gland>

3

: a treatise on physiology

physiology

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Study of the functioning of living organisms or their constituent tissues or cells. Physiology was usually considered separately from anatomy until the development of high-powered microscopes made it clear that structure and function were inseparable at the cellular and molecular level. An understanding of biochemistry is fundamental to physiology. Physiological processes are dynamic; cells change their function in response to changes in the composition of their local environment, and the organism responds to alterations in both its internal and external environment. Many physiological reactions are aimed at preserving a constant physical and chemical internal environment (homeostasis). See also cytology.