physiology
n.-
1 scientific study of body functions (n.) C1 Advanced Academic Technical Sciencethe scientific study of how the parts of a living body work together.
the branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of living matter, such as organs and cells, and the physical and chemical phenomena involved.
ExampleIn our biology class, we studied the physiology of the human heart.
ExampleAdvanced research into human physiology has revealed how the body adapts to extreme conditions like high altitudes or deep-sea diving.
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field of study.
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2 the way a specific body works (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencethe way a specific person's or animal's body functions.
the internal biological and chemical processes of a specific organism or species.
ExampleThe physiology of a camel allows it to survive for a long time without water.
ExampleThe athlete's unique physiology enabled her to recover from intense training sessions much faster than her competitors.
UsageCan be used as a countable noun when comparing different types of bodies.
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3 natural science (n.) C2 Proficiency Archaic Sciencean old word for the general study of nature and natural objects.
the study and description of natural objects; a historical synonym for natural science.
ExampleIn the 1700s, scholars used the term physiology to describe all of nature.
ExampleThe ancient manuscript contained a section on physiology that discussed everything from minerals to the stars.
UsageThis sense is no longer used in modern scientific contexts.
- natural science
From French physiologie, from Latin physiologia, from Ancient Greek φυσιολογία (phusiología, “natural philosophy”), from φύσις (phúsis, “nature”) + λόγος (lógos, “word”). Equivalent to physio- + -logy.