biological rhythm

any periodic variation in a living organism’s physiological or psychological function, such as energy level, sexual desire, or menstruation. Such rhythms can be linked to cyclical changes in environmental cues, such as daylength or passing of the seasons, and tend to be daily (see circadian rhythm) or annual (see circannual rhythm). They also can vary with individuals and with the period of the individual’s life. Also called biorhythm; endogenous rhythm; internal rhythm; life rhythm. See also infradian rhythm; ultradian rhythm.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

respiratory disorder

a general term for any disorder involving one or more components of the respiratory system, such as the diaphragm, lungs, trachea, larynx, or nasal cavities. See also asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.