homeostasis
/ˌhoʊmi.oʊˈsteɪsɪs/
noun
Origin
Greek
homoios + stasis — similar + standing/stasis
Overview
Meaning Now
- The tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Literal older meaning
staying same
Language path
Greek → Modern Scientific English
Earliest form
homeostasis
Earliest period
1920s
Journey
The term was introduced by Walter Cannon in his work 'Physiological Regulation of Normal States: Some Tentative Postulates Concerning Biological Homeostases'. It was intended to extend the concept of the 'milieu intérieur' (internal environment) proposed by Claude Bernard in the 19th century.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
ὅμοιος (homoios)
“like, similar”
- Ancient Greek
στάσις (stasis)
“a standing, stopping, or position”
- 1926, English
homeostasis
“physiological state of stability”
Coined by Walter Cannon to describe internal regulation.
Connections
Word parts
homeo-
prefix
similar, same
-stasis
suffix
standing, state, equilibrium
Related across languages
Greek
ὁμοιοστάσις
equilibrium
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Related to homeostasis
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.