physiology
UK[ˌfɪziˈɒlədʒi]US[ˌfɪziˈɑːlədʒi]
n
The scientific study of the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.
n
The way in which a living organism or bodily part functions.
Morpheme Breakdown
physio
logy
physio
nature
logy
study of
Etymology
The word 'physiology' is a direct inheritance from the Greek phusiologia, a compound of physis (nature) and -logia (study). The ancient Greek term was used for the inquiry into the origins and nature of things in the natural world. In the 16th century, European scholars adopted the term specifically for the study of the functions and processes of living organisms, shifting the focus from general nature to the internal 'nature' or functional mechanisms of life. Thus, the literal "study of nature" evolved into the modern scientific discipline concerned with how living systems operate.
Analysis
Structure: physio (nature) + logy (study of)
- physio: From Greek physis (nature, origin, growth). In this compound, it refers to the physical, natural functions of the body.
- logy: From Greek -logia (denoting a branch of knowledge or study). It functions as a noun-forming suffix meaning "the science or study of."
Examples
She is majoring in human physiology.
The physiology of the heart involves the pumping of blood throughout the body.
Understanding plant physiology is crucial for improving crop yields.