The physiology of a human or animal's body or of a plant is the way that it functions.
...the physiology of respiration. [+ of]
...insect physiology.
physiological (fɪziəlɒdʒɪkəl)adjective
...the physiological effects of stress.
physiologicallyadverb [ADVERB adjective, ADVERB with verb]
Camels are among the most physiologically resilient creatures on Earth.
physiology in British English
(ˌfɪzɪˈɒlədʒɪ)
noun
1.
the branch of science concerned with the functioning of organisms
2.
the processes and functions of all or part of an organism
Derived forms
physiologist (ˌphysiˈologist)
noun
Word origin
C16: from Latin physiologia, from Greek
physiology in American English
(ˌfɪziˈɑlədʒi)
noun
1.
the branch of biology dealing with the functions and vital processes of living organisms or their parts and organs
2.
the functions and vital processes, collectively (of an organism, or of an organ orsystem of organs)
Derived forms
physiologist (ˌphysiˈologist)
noun
Word origin
Fr physiologie < L physiologia < Gr: see physio- & -logy
Examples of 'physiology' in a sentence
physiology
The emphasis is usually on anatomy and physiology.
Steinberg, Laurence & Levine, Ann You and Your Adolescent: A Parents' Guide for Ages 10 to 20 (1990)
The thing about bygone eras is that diets and human physiology were different.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It is one of the oldest questions in human physiology.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Everyone is unique but human physiology stays constant.
Sally Gunnell, Kathryn Leigh BE YOUR BEST: How Anyone can become Fit, Healthy and Confident (2002)
This is valuable research that casts new light on how human physiology is influenced by hormones in the womb.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Human physiology is the demon we can't exorcise.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Basic physiology of exercise Any form of exercise involves work done by muscles.
Wallace, Louise M & Bundy, Christine Coping with Angina (1990)
There is evidence that their body chemistry and physiology begin to change, and in time they may begin to feel the part.
Munro, Bill Dr. & Munro, Frances Beat Stress (1992)
I spent my two years studying anatomy, physiology and pathology.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Teaching assessments recorded perfect scores in biosciences, with nursing, anatomy and physiology close behind.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He's always finding out new things, getting books out about physiology or sports science.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He got a degree in exercise physiology and became a bodybuilder before he got his'absolute chance '.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He has a friendly manner, a ready laugh and an enthusiasm for plant physiology that has blossomed into an interest in the global effects of vegetation.
Oliver Morton Eating the Sun: How Plants Power the Planet (2007)
It was an investment in not just drying out, but more importantly understanding the science and physiology of the disease and learning how to avoid relapse.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Such research reflects a longterm trend away from the idea that particular aspects of human physiology, appearance and behaviour are controlled by just a few genes.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We win more Nobel prizes for medicine and physiology than anywhere except the US.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
In other languages
physiology
British English: physiology NOUN
Physiology is the scientific study of how people's and animals' bodies function, and of how plants function.