chronobiology

noun

chro·​no·​bi·​ol·​o·​gy ˌkrä-nō-bī-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce chronobiology (audio)
ˌkrō-
: the study of biological rhythms
chronobiologic adjective
or chronobiological
chronobiologist noun

Examples of chronobiology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Her findings gave chronobiology a new view of how clock proteins work. Quanta Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023 Siffre's research and fascination with the internal biological clock laid much of the groundwork for the field of human chronobiology. Tree Meinch, Discover Magazine, 25 May 2023 This event is now seen as chronobiology’s defining moment, at which Pittendrigh and the others set out their vision of circadian rhythms as internal and self-sustaining, controlled by oscillating biochemical mechanisms analogous to the cogs and gears of a clock. Jo Marchant, Wired, 1 Sep. 2020 In 2017, the field of chronobiology received the ultimate scientific recognition: a Nobel Prize, for the researchers who identified the period gene. Jo Marchant, Wired, 1 Sep. 2020 Understanding the science of chronobiology may help us live healthier lives. Brian Resnick, Vox, 27 Apr. 2018 There’s an entire field of research (chronobiology) that shows light is what triggers the body to stop producing melatonin, the hormone that tells the body to sleep, and be more alert. NBC News, 17 June 2017 Till Roenneberg, a professor of chronobiology at Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich, studies the biological roots of sleep. Bruce Feiler, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chronobiology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

chrono- + biology

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronobiology was in 1969

Dictionary Entries Near chronobiology

Cite this Entry

“Chronobiology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronobiology. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

chronobiology

noun
chro·​no·​bi·​ol·​o·​gy ˌkrän-ə-bī-ˈäl-ə-jē, ˌkrō-nə- How to pronounce chronobiology (audio)
plural chronobiologies
: the study of biological rhythms
chronobiologic adjective
or chronobiological
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