ENGLISH
REFERENCE

physiological

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌfɪziəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ// UK //fˌɪzɪəlˈɒdʒɪkəl// phys·i·o·log·i·cal

adj. relating to the physical and chemical processes of your body. It describes how your organs and systems work, not your thoughts or feelings.

adj. relating to the normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of a living organism or its parts. Distinct from psychological, which concerns the mind.


SIMPLE

Exercise causes physiological changes in your heart rate.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor explained the physiological reasons for her fatigue rather than blaming stress.

COMPLEX

The study distinguished between the physiological stress response, such as increased cortisol, and the psychological perception of pressure.

Synonyms
Origin

Either from physio- + -logical (equivalent to physiology + -ical) or Latin physiologicus + -al.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun (e.g. 'physiological process').

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