zeitgeber

noun

Save Word

zeit·ge·ber | \ ˈtsīt-ˌgā-bər

, ˈzīt-

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

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about zeitgeber

Keep scrolling for more

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.

Examples of zeitgeber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These clocks are wound by various environmental cues known as zeitgebers (time givers), such as light and temperature. — Ferris Jabr, Smithsonian, "How Moonlight Sets Nature’s Rhythms," 22 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'zeitgeber.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about zeitgeber

Listen to Our Podcast about zeitgeber

Dictionary Entries near zeitgeber

Statistics for zeitgeber

Cite this Entry

“Zeitgeber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zeitgeber. Accessed 21 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for zeitgeber

zeitgeber

noun

zeit·ge·ber | \ ˈtsīt-ˌgā-bər

, ˈzīt-

Medical Definition of zeitgeber

: an environmental agent or event (as the occurrence of light or dark) that provides the stimulus setting or resetting a biological clock of an organism

Comments on zeitgeber

What made you want to look up zeitgeber? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).