physiological

Everyday

1. (science) Having to do with how the bodies of living things work: breathing, heart rate, digestion, growing. tree →
2. Of the body rather than the mind: a physiological reaction is a body reaction. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science and health: «physiological changes» in puberty, «physiological needs» (food, water, sleep, warmth) – the base of Maslow's pyramid of needs. In the exam voice: «a physiological response to fear» (racing heart, sweating). Contrast with «psychological» (of the mind). Phrases: «physiological changes», «physiological needs», «physiological effects».

Examples

• A racing heart is a physiological response to fear. tree →
• Food, water and sleep are basic physiological needs. tree →
• Exercise causes physiological changes like faster breathing. tree →
• Doctors study the physiological effects of being in space. tree →
• Blushing is a physiological reaction you can't easily control. tree →
• Some illnesses are physiological; others are psychological. tree →

Note

Stress: fiz-ee-o-LOJ-i-kul. Spelling: physio-log-ical (ph at the start). Do not confuse with «psychological» (about the mind) or «physical» (more general: of the body or of matter). «Physiology» is the science of how the body works.