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.
The researcher, who published mostly in German, presented his work on a physiological process known as persorption. — Susanne Rust follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 Gigantic Fantastic also explores the development of steroids themselves, their physiological effects, as well as other image and performance-enhancing drugs and their dangers. — Gavin Francis, The New York Review of Books, 24 Oct. 2026 Nieder argues there are likely two physiological aspects that make this possible. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026 Paltrow’s pitch, a one-minute dunk or just a cold shower for a physiological reset, is far more replicable for some than six-minute ice baths. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 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 27 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

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