circadian rhythm

any periodic variation in physiological or behavioral activity that repeats at approximately 24-hour intervals, such as the sleep–wake cycle. Also called diurnal rhythm. Compare infradian rhythm; ultradian rhythm. See also biological rhythm.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

actuarial

actuarial

adj. statistical: based on quantified experience and data. In medicine, the use of data about prior instances to estimate the likelihood or risk of a particular outcome is sometimes cited as an alternative to clinical diagnoses, which are open to human error.