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.
Modern neuroscience now reveals that intense negative experiences can produce measurable physiological changes in the brain, alterations in connectivity, activation patterns, and stress response networks, akin to the effects of a physical injury. Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 Understanding the careful examination of a complete picture of how fatty acid works in the distinct physiological context of mice, and then human skin, would be necessary before applying it to humans. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 The biannual time shift tends to affect peoples’ circadian rhythms — the body’s 24-hour clock — which regulate several physiological processes. Hannah Poukish october 27, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025 The biannual time shift tends to affect peoples’ circadian rhythms — the body’s 24-hour clock — which regulate several physiological processes. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 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

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