1560s, "study and description of natural objects," from Middle French physiologie or directly from Latin physiologia "natural science, study of nature," from Greek physiologia "natural science, inquiry into nature," from physio- "nature" (see physio-) + logia "study" (see -logy). Meaning "science of the normal function of living things" is attested from 1610s. Related: Physiologic; physiologist.
physiology phys·i·ol·o·gy (fĭz'ē-ŏl'ə-jē)
n.
Abbr. phys.
The biological study of the functions of living organisms and their parts.
All the functions of a living organism or any of its parts.
The study of the function of living things, including processes such as nutrition, movement, and reproduction. (Compare anatomy and morphology.)