physiology

English

Etymology

From French physiologie, from Latin physiologia, from Ancient Greek φυσιολογία (phusiología, natural philosophy), from φύσις (phúsis, nature) + λόγος (lógos, word). Equivalent to physio- +‎ -logy.

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌfɪziˈɒləd͡ʒi/
  • Audio (Southern England):(file)
  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˌfɪziˈɑ.lə.d͡ʒi/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

physiology (countable and uncountable, plural physiologies)

  1. A branch of biology that deals with the functions and activities of life or of living matter (as organs, tissues, or cells) and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved.
    • 2023, Isabel Waidner, Corey Fah Does Social Mobility, Hamish Hamilton, page 86:
      So he clung to the sides of the vertical tunnel, le wormhole, employing the setules covering his legs, that is, millions of tiny spider-hairs with triangular tips, a wall-creeper physiology if you wish, a hang-upside-down-from-the-ceiling anatomical boon.
  2. The biology and/or form of a living organism.
  3. (obsolete) The study and description of natural objects; natural science.

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