homeostasis

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Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˌhɒm.i.ə(ʊ)ˈsteɪ.sɪs/, /ˌhəʊ.mi.ə(ʊ)ˈsteɪ.sɪs/
• (GA) IPA: /ˌhoʊ.mi.oʊˈsteɪ.sɪs/

Noun

homeostasis (plural homeostases)

1. (physiology) The ability of a system or living organism to adjust its internal environment to maintain a state of dynamic constancy; such as the ability of warm-blooded animals to maintain a stable 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.

Related terms

• stasis

Translations

• French: homéostasie
• German: Selbstregulation
• Italian: omeostasi
• Portuguese: homeostase
• Russian: гомеоста́з
• Spanish: homeostasis

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