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.
Researchers have found evidence that human body odors and secretions can influence physiological or psychological responses in other people. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Mechanism of action Buprenorphine produces its main therapeutic and physiological effects by binding to mu (μ) opioid receptors. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 About 50% reached a physiological strain index of 6 or greater on a 0-to-10 scale that combines heart rate and core temperature to measure how hard the body is working to cope with heat. — Julian L. Gallegos, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Still, as better heat management becomes another performance advantage, perception alone can make a difference, says Kirk-Odunub, provided there’s been physiological preparation as well. — Nadia Neophytou, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on physiological

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for physiological

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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