# physiology

/ˌfɪziˈɑɫədʒi/ (US) · /fˌɪzɪˈɒlədʒi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/physiology
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. scientific study of body functions

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

the scientific study of how the parts of a living body work together.

For teachers: 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.

- In our biology class, we studied the physiology of the human heart.
- Advanced research into human physiology has revealed how the body adapts to extreme conditions like high altitudes or deep-sea diving.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field of study.

### 2. the way a specific body works

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the way a specific person's or animal's body functions.

For teachers: the internal biological and chemical processes of a specific organism or species.

- The physiology of a camel allows it to survive for a long time without water.
- The athlete's unique physiology enabled her to recover from intense training sessions much faster than her competitors.

Usage: Can be used as a countable noun when comparing different types of bodies.

### 3. natural science

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

an old word for the general study of nature and natural objects.

For teachers: the study and description of natural objects; a historical synonym for natural science.

- In the 1700s, scholars used the term physiology to describe all of nature.
- The ancient manuscript contained a section on physiology that discussed everything from minerals to the stars.

Usage: This sense is no longer used in modern scientific contexts.

## Examples

- Exercise has a major effect on human physiology.
- The medical student spent the entire semester studying the physiology of the respiratory system to understand how oxygen enters the blood.
- Advancements in high-altitude physiology have allowed researchers to understand how the human body adapts to extreme environments where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.