What does physiologic mean?
Physiologic is an adjective meaning related to the normal functions and processes of living organisms, especially the body. It is used in medicine, biology, physiology, and related sciences to describe responses, functions, changes, or effects that arise from ordinary bodily processes. For example, a physiologic response may be a natural increase in heart rate during exercise, while physiologic changes can refer to how tissues respond to temperature or stress. The word is precise and technical, but it is usually less common in everyday speech than the more familiar “physiological.” It should not be confused with “psychologic,” which concerns the mind, or “pathologic,” which describes abnormal or disease-related processes.
adjectiveRelating to the normal functions and processes of living organisms, especially the human body. The term is most often used in medical and biological contexts.
- Relating to the normal functions or processes of the body or other living organisms.
"The researchers examined the physiologic effects of prolonged exposure to high altitude."
"The drug produced a measurable physiologic response in the participants."
"Normal changes in body temperature are a physiologic response to environmental conditions."
This word looks like it begins with “psych,” but it is all about the body: its roots trace back to Greek physikē, meaning the study of nature and the body.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does physiologic come from?
Physiologic derives from the Greek physikē, meaning the study of nature, and ultimately from physis, meaning nature or natural process. It developed through Latin and French into the English family of words associated with physiology and physiology-related study. The suffix “-logic” is related to the Greek logos, meaning a principle, study, or field of knowledge.
Related word forms
How physiologic is actually used
Primarily used in technical, medical, and scientific writing. In general usage, “physiological” is often more common and more readily understood.
Easily confused with physiologic
Physiologic refers to bodily functions and processes, whereas psychologic refers to the mind and emotions.
Physiologic describes normal bodily function, while pathologic describes disease or abnormal functioning.