Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to the normal functioning of a living organism or its parts: "Physiologic" describes processes, functions, or states that are part of the normal, healthy operations of a biological system.
   • Consistent with or characteristic of normal bodily function: It refers to activities that occur as part of the natural, non-pathological state of an organism.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • Sleep is a basic physiologic need for all mammals. (Sleep is a fundamental requirement of normal biological functioning.)
  • The doctor explained the physiologic changes that occur during exercise, such as increased heart rate and respiration. (The doctor described the normal functional changes in the body.)
  • Maintaining a stable body temperature is a key physiologic process. (It is a crucial function of normal bodily operation.)

Advanced Usage

• "Physiologic response": A reaction of the body that is part of its normal functional repertoire.
  • Blushing is a physiologic response to embarrassment or stress. (It is a normal bodily reaction.)
• "Physiologic state": A condition or mode of being that aligns with healthy, standard operation.
  • Pregnancy induces a unique physiologic state in the mother's body. (It creates a specific condition of normal functioning.)

Variants and Related Words

• Physiological (adj): This is the more common variant, identical in meaning to "physiologic." The terms are often used interchangeably.
  • The study focused on the physiological effects of the drug. (It examined the effects on normal bodily functions.)
• Physiology (n): The scientific study of the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.
  • She majored in physiology to understand how the human body works.
• Physiologist (n): A scientist who specializes in physiology.
  • The physiologist measured the athlete's oxygen consumption.

Synonyms

• Biological: Pertaining to life and living organisms.
• Functional: Relating to the way a system works.
• Somatic: Relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind.

Antonyms

• Pathological: Relating to or caused by disease.
• Dysfunctional: Not operating normally or properly.
• Abnormal: Deviating from what is usual or typical, especially in a way that is undesirable.

Notes on Usage

• "Physiologic" vs. "Physiological": While both adjectives are correct and synonymous, "physiological" is significantly more frequent in modern usage across all contexts, from scientific literature to general writing. "Physiologic" is perfectly acceptable but less common.
• The word is primarily used in scientific, medical, and academic contexts to describe normal, healthy biological processes, as opposed to pathological (disease) states.

Adjective

1. of or consistent with an organism's normal functioning
   • physiologic functions
   • physiological processes