HealthJuly 10, 2026

thermoregulation

/ˌθɜːrmoʊˌrɛɡjuˈleɪʃən/

Definition

The biological process by which an organism maintains its internal body temperature within a stable range, especially in response to external environmental heat.

Etymology

The word is a combination of the Greek 'thermos' (heat) and the Latin 'regulare' (to control or rule). It emerged in the late 19th century as a technical term to describe the physiological mechanisms of temperature control in living beings.

In the news

The article explains that older adults may have impaired thermoregulation, making them more vulnerable to the physiological stress and mental health risks triggered by extreme heatwaves.

Older adults face greater risk of mental health hospitalizations during extreme heatwaves

Read the full article ↗

News-Medical

Related words

amblyopia

A vision development disorder, commonly known as 'lazy eye,' where the brain fails to…

Health

anosognosia

A condition in which a person with a mental illness is unaware or unable to recognize…

Health

carotenoid

A type of yellow, orange, or red pigment naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables…

Health

chikungunya

A viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, causing fever and severe…

Health

cholangiocarcinoma

A rare and aggressive type of cancer that forms in the bile ducts, which are the tubes…

Health

cortisol

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is released in response to physical…

Health

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.