ENGLISH
REFERENCE

physiological

adj.
US //ˌfɪziəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ// UK //fˌɪzɪəlˈɒdʒɪkəl// phys·i·o·log·i·cal
  1. 1 body functions (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    relating to the way a living body or its parts work.

    pertaining to the normal biological functions of living organisms and their organs.

    Example

    The body has a physiological response to fear, such as a faster heartbeat.

    Example

    The researchers monitored the physiological changes in the athletes as they adapted to the high-altitude environment over several weeks.

    Usage

    Often used to contrast physical bodily processes with mental or psychological ones.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often confuse this with 'physical'; explain that 'physiological' specifically refers to internal biological systems and functions rather than just the outer body.
  2. 2 drug effects (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Medicine

    relating to the normal effect a substance has on a healthy body.

    relating to the effects of a drug or substance on a healthy organism, as opposed to its curative or therapeutic effects on a diseased one.

    Example

    The study looked at the physiological effects of caffeine on healthy adults.

    Example

    Distinguishing between the physiological impact of the compound on healthy tissue and its therapeutic efficacy against the virus was the primary goal of the first phase.
Origin

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026