homeostasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Academic/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “homeostasis” mean?
The physiological process by which an organism or system maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The physiological process by which an organism or system maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes.
The tendency of any complex system (biological, social, mechanical) to self-regulate and maintain a stable equilibrium.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. Both use the same technical term identically.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British academic biology textbooks historically, but usage is now equal.
Frequency
Equal frequency in technical/scientific contexts. Rare in everyday speech in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “homeostasis” in a Sentence
N + of + N (homeostasis of the body)Adj + N (physiological homeostasis)V + N (disrupt homeostasis)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “homeostasis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The system is designed to homeostatically regulate temperature.
- (Note: 'homeostasise' is extremely rare and non-standard; the adverbial form from 'homeostatic' is used.)
American English
- The body homeostatically adjusts blood pressure during exercise.
- (Note: 'homeostasize' is virtually never used; the concept is expressed with 'maintain homeostasis'.)
adverb
British English
- The hormone acts homeostatically to correct the deficiency.
- (This form is rare and highly technical.)
American English
- The process functions homeostatically via negative feedback.
- (This form is rare and highly technical.)
adjective
British English
- The homeostatic mechanisms of the liver are complex.
- She researched the body's homeostatic response to fasting.
American English
- Homeostatic control of calcium levels is critical.
- The study focused on homeostatic imbalances in the elderly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically used for market or economic stability (e.g., 'The central bank aims for monetary homeostasis').
Academic
Core concept in biology, physiology, psychology, and systems theory.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used metaphorically for personal routine or work-life balance.
Technical
Precise term for biological regulation of temperature, pH, glucose, etc.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “homeostasis”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “homeostasis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “homeostasis”
- Misspelling as 'homestasis' or 'homoeostasis'.
- Using it to describe a static, unchanging state rather than a dynamic process.
- Pronouncing the first syllable as 'home' (like a house) instead of 'hoe-mee'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Homeostasis is a specific, active, self-regulating process to *maintain* a balance (a set point) in a system. 'Balance' is a more general state.
Yes, in extended metaphorical or technical use. For example, economists might discuss 'market homeostasis', or engineers might design a 'homeostatic control system' for a machine.
Pronouncing it as 'HOME-ee-oh-stasis' (like the house). The correct first syllable is 'HOE-mee-oh' (/'həʊ.mi.əʊ/ or /'hɒm.i.əʊ/).
No, this is non-standard and almost never used. The concept is expressed with phrases like 'maintain homeostasis', 'achieve homeostasis', or 'regulate homeostatically'.
The physiological process by which an organism or system maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Homeostasis is usually formal/academic/scientific in register.
Homeostasis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒm.i.əʊˈsteɪ.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊ.mi.oʊˈsteɪ.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Tipping the scales (related concept)”
- “Walking a tightrope (metaphor for maintaining balance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOME-O-STASIS: Think of your body wanting to stay at 'home' (a stable internal state) despite being 'stressed' by the outside world.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A SELF-REGULATING MACHINE / BALANCE IS HEALTH.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best exemplifies the concept of homeostasis?