Definition of zeitgeber
: an environmental agent or event (such as the occurrence of light or dark) that provides the stimulus setting or resetting a biological clock of an organism
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
zeitgeber was our Word of the Day on 02/27/2014. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Did You Know?
Zeitgebers are nature's alarm clocks-both biologically and etymologically. The word zeitgeber derives from a combination of two German terms, Zeit, which means "time," and Geber, which means "giver"-so a zeitgeber is literally a "time giver." In nature, zeitgebers tend to be cyclic or recurring patterns that help keep the body's circadian rhythms operating in an orderly way. For plants and animals, the daily pattern of light and darkness and the warmer and colder temperatures between day and night serve as zeitgebers, cues that keep organisms functioning on a regular schedule. For humans, societally imposed cycles, such as the schedule of the work or school day and regular mealtimes, can become zeitgebers as well.
Origin and Etymology of zeitgeber
German, from Zeit time + Geber giver
First Known Use: 1964
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about zeitgeber
-
See words that rhyme with zeitgeber Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zeitgeber
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up zeitgeber? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!