physiology

noun

phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy ˌfi-zē-ˈä-lə-jē 

1

: a branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (such as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved compare anatomy

2

: the organic processes and phenomena of an organism or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process

Did you know?

Physiology Has Latin Roots

The Latin root physio- generally means "physical", so human physiology deals with just about everything that keeps us alive and working, and other physiology specialties do the same for other animals and for plants. To do anything serious in the field of health, you've obviously got to know how the body's organs and cells function normally. Physiology used to be considered separately from anatomy, which focuses on the body's structures; however, it's now known that structure and function can't easily be separated in a scientific way, so "anatomy and physiology" are often spoken of in the same breath.

Examples of physiology in a Sentence

She took a course in anatomy and physiology.

the physiology of diseased plants

Recent Examples on the Web

Studies show that eye movements facilitate information processing and calm down a person's physiology. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 24 June 2025

And in those areas, female physiology holds real advantages, experts in sports science, human physiology, and biological anthropology have found. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025

Mohler earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Wake Forest University and his doctorate in cell and molecular physiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

While the physiology isn’t fully understood, the worms seem to dampen inflammation, as discussed in the 2024 Annual Review of Nutrition. —Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin physiologia natural science, from Greek, from physi- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for physiology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Kids Definition

physiology

noun

phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy ˌfiz-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

1

: a branch of biology dealing with the processes and activities by which life is carried on and which are special features of the functioning of living things, tissues, and cells

2

: the life processes and activities of a living thing or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process

Medical Definition

physiology

noun

phys·​i·​ol·​o·​gy ˌfiz-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

plural physiologies

1

: a branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved compare anatomy sense 1, morphology sense 1

2

: the organic processes and phenomena of an organism or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process

the physiology of the thyroid gland

3

: a treatise on physiology