homeostasis

noun

ho·​meo·​sta·​sis ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs How to pronounce homeostasis (audio)
: a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population, or group
striving to achieve homeostasis
homeostatic adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web But perhaps the biggest benefits of CBD lie in its ability to support the endocannabinoid system for more balanced homeostasis within the body. Dallas News, 31 Oct. 2022 This system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022 Neurons in the brain strive to maintain a balance (homeostasis) between sedation and excitement. Anna Reisman, Discover Magazine, 19 Sep. 2010 Each human and animal has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors that helps maintain homeostasis, or balance, throughout the body. Dallas News, 23 Nov. 2022 Stress affects the homeostasis in the body, which can cause a chemical imbalance and induce anxiety. Donna Sarkar, Discover Magazine, 10 Aug. 2021 Each component contributes to the maintenance of homeostasis — also known as balance – in your body. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2022 To eat innings and help the group get back to homeostasis. Dallas News, 28 May 2022 It is thought that these cannabinoids are triggered to bind with receptors when the body is out of balance chemically, allowing homeostasis to return. Dallas News, 17 Sep. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'homeostasis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of homeostasis was in 1926

Dictionary Entries Near homeostasis

Cite this Entry

“Homeostasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homeostasis. Accessed 22 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

homeostasis

noun
ho·​meo·​sta·​sis ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs How to pronounce homeostasis (audio)
: a tendency for the conditions inside the body of an animal (as a mammal) to stay pretty much the same even when outside environmental conditions (as temperature) change
homeostatic adjective

Medical Definition

homeostasis

noun
ho·​meo·​sta·​sis
variants or British homoeostasis
: the maintenance of relatively stable internal physiological conditions (as body temperature or the pH of blood) in higher animals under fluctuating environmental conditions
also : the process of maintaining a stable psychological state in the individual under varying psychological pressures or stable social conditions in a group under varying social, environmental, or political factors
homeostatic adjective
or British homoeostatic
homeostatically adjective
or British homoeostatically

More from Merriam-Webster on homeostasis

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