physiological

adjective

phys·​i·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce physiological (audio)
variants or physiologic
ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce physiological (audio)
Synonyms of physiologicalnext
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
ˌfi-zē-ə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce physiological (audio)
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.
That finding is now being read against a parallel body of research on circadian rhythm, the 24-hour internal clock that regulates eating, sleeping and other physiological processes. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026 Performance athletes headline ads for the wearable company, which aims to turn continuous streams of physiological data into useful insights for behavior change — mostly, for a young, fit customer base. — Katie Palmer, STAT, 14 Oct. 2026 Her team’s meta-analysis found that activities that increase physiological arousal generally did not reduce anger, while relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, and slow breathing consistently helped. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 The acute physiological response to heat is now well understood. — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing physiological

Rhymes for physiological

See All Rhymes for physiological

Browse Nearby Words

physiologer
physiological
physiological assay
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Physiological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physiological. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

physiological

adjective
phys·​i·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌfiz-ē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce physiological (audio)
variants or physiologic
-ˈläj-ik How to pronounce physiological (audio)
1
: of or relating to physiology
2
: characteristic of healthy or normal functioning of the body
physiologically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce physiological (audio)
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
-ik How to pronounce physiological (audio)
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
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce physiological (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on physiological

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for physiological

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