homeostasis

noun

ho·​meo·​sta·​sis ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs How to pronounce homeostasis (audio)
: a relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward such a state between the different but interdependent elements or groups of elements of an organism, population, or group
striving to achieve homeostasis
homeostatic
ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈsta-tik How to pronounce homeostasis (audio)
adjective

Examples of homeostasis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is synthesized in the skin when it is exposed to the sun’s rays, helping to regulate bone homeostasis. — Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025 The Queen of Pentacles reminds you to balance ambition with self-care in order to achieve this homeostasis. — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2025 Instead, the drug candidate is designed to help restructure the parts of the brain that are affected by addiction, restoring homeostasis. — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 When the skin is injured, the body's first step is to achieve homeostasis (a state of balance and stability) by stopping the bleeding. — Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for homeostasis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of homeostasis was in 1926

Rhymes for homeostasis

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Browse Nearby Words

homeostasis
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Cite this Entry

“Homeostasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homeostasis. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

homeostasis

noun
ho·​meo·​sta·​sis ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs How to pronounce homeostasis (audio)
: a tendency for the conditions inside the body of an animal (as a mammal) to stay pretty much the same even when outside environmental conditions (as temperature) change
homeostatic
-ˈstat-ik How to pronounce homeostasis (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

homeostasis

noun
ho·​meo·​sta·​sis
variants or British homoeostasis
ˌhō-mē-ō-ˈstā-səs How to pronounce homeostasis (audio)
: the maintenance of relatively stable internal physiological conditions (as body temperature or the pH of blood) in higher animals under fluctuating environmental conditions
also : the process of maintaining a stable psychological state in the individual under varying psychological pressures or stable social conditions in a group under varying social, environmental, or political factors
homeostatic adjective
or British homoeostatic
-ˈstat-ik How to pronounce homeostasis (audio)
homeostatically adjective
or British homoeostatically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce homeostasis (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on homeostasis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about homeostasis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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