physiological

adjective

phys·​i·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce physiological (audio)
variants or physiologic
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 adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web As a result, a person's body may adapt to exercise stress and be better prepared to handle physiological stress from aging.3 The researchers additionally hypothesized that the more intense the exercise, the more likely potential protection from aging could occur. Sarah Klein, Health, 4 Apr. 2023 Strong, steady friendships may be an asset to your physiological health, study shows On the most malignant end of the spectrum, that sense of entitlement coupled with rejection can prove deadly. Holly Thomas, CNN, 29 Mar. 2023 These physiological changes were correlated to areas of the gene where hemoglobin are produced and the activity of 2,470 genes changed during development. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 May 2023 The irreversible, slow-motion physiological changes can be emotionally and mentally disturbing, leading to depression, social withdrawal, self-harm and a risk of suicide. Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 1 May 2023 Eikenaar studies the physiological components of bird migration. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2023 The direct scientific link between sleep and post-exercise recovery remains somewhat fuzzy, although it could be strongly argued that that's because sleep involves a multitude of physiological functions that aren't always easy to clearly define and separate. Emily Shiffer, Men's Health, 31 Mar. 2023 Historical trauma can produce physiological stress, striking not just individual people, but entire families. Allison Kelliher, Fortune, 3 Feb. 2023 That’s probably because crying is the outcome of a sudden physiological shift in our bodies, when our sympathetic system—the one responsible for our fight or flight response—cedes control to our parasympathetic system, which powers our rest or digest response. Gloria Liu, Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2022 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of physiological was in 1704

Dictionary Entries Near physiological

Cite this Entry

“Physiological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physiological. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

physiological

adjective
phys·​i·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌfiz-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce physiological (audio)
variants or physiologic
1
: of or relating to physiology
2
: characteristic of healthy or normal functioning of the body
physiologically adverb

Medical Definition

physiological

adjective
phys·​i·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌfiz-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce physiological (audio)
variants or physiologic
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 adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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