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

Examples of physiological in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Comforting interactions not only alleviate stress in the moment but also support long-term health by reducing the physiological impact of anxiety and fear. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025 The data didn’t lie — scientists identified physiological patterns that aligned with the fluctuation of key pregnancy hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025 It is supported by brain networks and shaped by physiological factors like sleep, stress levels and emotional mood. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 It’s influenced by several factors, such as physiological, psychological and emotional. Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for physiological

Word History

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of physiological was in 1704

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Cite this Entry

“Physiological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physiological. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on physiological

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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