biological clock

noun

: an inherent timing mechanism in a living system that is inferred to exist in order to explain the timing or periodicity of various behaviors and physiological states and processes

Examples of biological clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s something deep in our biological clocks that can’t seem to help but welcome the days when the sun stays up past 8 PM and the air temperature reaches equilibrium with our bodies. —Bryan Walsh, Vox, 1 July 2024

The girlies can have a moment of deep self-interrogation about complicated female friendships, commercial success, and our biological clocks, all while getting down. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 21 June 2024

Some scientists suggest that your biological clock gets out of sorts. —Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024

So much for beating the biological clock, as promised by a multimillion-dollar industry that promoted its technologies in part as a way for women to avoid detrimental career disruptions. —Mary McNamara, The Mercury News, 15 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

biological clock

noun

: a mechanism that exists in living things and controls the timing of behaviors and bodily functions which occur in cycles

Medical Definition

biological clock

noun

: an inherent timing mechanism in a living system (as a cell) that is inferred to exist in order to explain various cyclical behaviors and physiological processes