physiology

American  

[fiz-ee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌfɪz iˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, including all physical and chemical processes.

2. the organic processes or functions in an organism or in any of its parts.

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physiology British  

/ 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

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physiology Scientific  

/ fĭz′ē-ŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of an organism's vital functions, including growth and development, the absorption and processing of nutrients, the synthesis and distribution of proteins and other organic molecules, and the functioning of different tissues, organs, and other anatomic structures. Physiology studies the normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical processes of animals and plants.

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physiology Cultural  

1. The study of the function of living things, including processes such as nutrition, movement, and reproduction. (Compare anatomy and morphology.)

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Other Word Forms

• physiologist noun

Etymology

Origin of physiology

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin physiologia, from Greek physiología “science of natural causes and phenomena”; physio-, -logy

Compare meaning

How does physiology compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• physiology vs. biology

Example Sentences

Current prescribing criteria center on body mass index thresholds and glycemic targets, metabolic markers that tell us something about a patient’s need for weight loss but nothing about their underlying GLP-1 physiology.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

They depend on a delicate balance of climate, tree physiology, and farming techniques.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Arutyunyan, who began coaching in his native Armenia, was first trained in the Soviet style that relied on biomechanics and physiology to unlock efficient jumping techniques.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

The discovery comes from new research by JCU's shark physiology team, led by Professor Jodie Rummer.

From Science Daily • Jan. 21, 2026

Hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in blood, for instance, performs one of the simplest and yet most vital reactions in physiology.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee