physiological

adjective

phys·​i·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

variants or physiologic

ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-jik 

1

: of or relating to physiology

2

: characteristic of or appropriate to an organism's healthy or normal functioning

the sodium level was physiological

3

: differing in, involving, or affecting physiological factors

a physiological strain of bacteria

physiologically

ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of physiological in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sharing a bed has real perks, and research points to measurable physiological benefits from close contact with a partner. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 18 Sep. 2026

These devices collect intimate physiological data tied to an account, and vendor practices vary — Fizimed makes explicit non-sharing claims; other companies’ handling is worth reading the fine print on before pairing. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

Hormonal and physiological changes that come with age can affect body composition, bone health and recovery, Torres said, but that doesn’t mean people should shy away from challenging workouts. — Olivia Laborde, AJC.com, 14 Sep. 2026

The study measured only short-term physiological changes, though, and did not prove that compression improves athletic performance, reduces soreness or speeds overall recovery. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing physiological

• physiological psychology
• physiological saline

Rhymes for physiological

• astrological
• biological
• christological
• chronological
• cosmological
• cytological
• dialogical
• ecological
• ethnological
• ethological
• geological
• histological

Kids Definition

physiological

adjective

phys·​i·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌfiz-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

variants or physiologic

-ˈläj-ik 

1

: of or relating to physiology

2

: characteristic of healthy or normal functioning of the body

physiologically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

physiological

adjective

phys·​i·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌfiz-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

variants or physiologic

-ik 

1

: of or relating to physiology

2

: characteristic of or appropriate to an organism's healthy or normal functioning

3

: differing in, involving, or affecting physiological factors

a physiological strain of bacteria

physiologically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb