homeostasis

noun

ho·​meo·​sta·​sis ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs 

: 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

ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈsta-tik 

adjective

Examples of homeostasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Apoptosis rids the body of damaged cells, helping maintain homeostasis (a stable internal environment) and prevent cancer and many other health issues.5 Can Help Manage Certain Health Conditions When taken in supplement form, proteases may offer several benefits. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Aug. 2024

Maintaining a healthy acidic balance is crucial for homeostasis—the acid-base balance your body needs for optimal health and function. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2024

All complex multicellular organisms have evolved numerous ways to maintain homeostasis—to preserve a steady state of physical and chemical conditions essential to their continued existence. —Ferris Jabr, The Atlantic, 25 June 2024

However, the immune system wasn’t a part of their view of homeostasis — until Jin went back to his roots. —Esther Landhuis, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

homeostasis

noun

ho·​meo·​sta·​sis ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs 

: 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

-ˈstat-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

homeostasis

noun

ho·​meo·​sta·​sis

variants or British homoeostasis

ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs 

: 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

-ˈstat-ik 

homeostatically adjective

or British homoeostatically

-i-k(ə-)lē