Homeostasis

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ËŒhoÊŠmioʊˈsteɪsɪs/

Alternative forms

• homÅ“ostasis dated

Origin

Coined from Ancient Greek ὅμος (hómos, "similar") + ιστημι (histēmi, "standing still")/stasis (from στάσις) by Walter Bradford Cannon.

Full definition of homeostasis

Noun

1. (physiology) The ability of a system or living organism to adjust its internal environment to maintain a stable equilibrium; such as the ability of warm-blooded animals to maintain a constant temperature.
• 2011, Professional Guide to Pathophysiology, Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins, page 1:When homeostasis is disrupted by an external stressor - such as injury, lack of nutrients, or invasion by parasites or other organisms - illness may occur.
2. Such a dynamic equilibrium or balance.

Derived terms

• homeostatic
• metal homeostasis

Related terms

• stasis