#organic_process__organicproces__biological_process a process occurring in living organisms
supertype: natural_process__naturalproces__natural_action__naturalaction__action__activity a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); "the action of natural forces"; "volcanic activity"
subtype: adaptation.organic_process__adjustment the process of adapting to something (such as environmental conditions)
subtype: acclimatization__acclimatisation__acclimation adaptation to a new climate (a new temperature or altitude or environment)
subtype: dedifferentiation the loss of specialization in form or function
subtype: domestication.adaptation adaptation to intimate association with human beings
subtype: specialisation__specialization__differentiation the structural adaptation of some body part for a particular function; "cell differentiation in the developing embryo"
subtype: agglutination a clumping of bacteria or red cells when held together by antibodies (agglutinins)
subtype: hemagglutination__haemagglutination agglutination of red blood cells
subtype: senescence__aging__ageing the organic process of growing older and showing the effects of increasing age
subtype: catabiosis normal aging of cells
subtype: anabolism__constructive_metabolism synthesis of more complex substances from simpler ones
subtype: anovulation the absence of ovulation due to immaturity or post-maturity or pregnancy or oral contraceptive pills or dysfunction of the ovary
subtype: assimilation.organic_process__absorption the process of absorbing nutrients into the body after digestion
subtype: malabsorption abnormal absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract
subtype: bacteriostasis inhibition of the growth of bacteria
subtype: blooming__bloom the organic process of bearing flowers; "you will stop all bloom if you let the flowers go to seed"
subtype: bodily_process__body_process__bodily_function__activity an organic process that takes place in the body; "respiratory activity"
subtype: control.bodily_process (physiology) regulation or maintenance of a function or action or reflex etc; "the timing and control of his movements were unimpaired"; "he had lost control of his sphincters"
subtype: motor_control__motorcontrol control of muscles
subtype: respiration the bodily processes involved in exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between an organism and the environment
subtype: internal_respiration__cellular_respiration bodily process whereby oxygen in the blood is absorbed by the cells of the body and carbon dioxide is absorbed by the blood as a waste product to be transported to the lungs
subtype: breathing__external_respiration__ventilation the process of taking in oxygen from inhaled air and releasing carbon dioxide by exhalation
subtype: abdominal_breathing__abdominalbreathing breathing in which most of the respiratory effort is done by the abdominal muscles; "abdominal breathing is practiced by singers"
subtype: eupnea__eupnoea normal relaxed breathing
subtype: hyperpnea energetic (deep and rapid) respiration that occurs normally after exercise or abnormally with fever or various disorders
subtype: hypopnea slow or shallow breathing
subtype: hyperventilation an increased depth and rate of breathing greater than demanded by the body needs; can cause dizziness and tingling of the fingers and toes and chest pain if continued
subtype: panting__heaving breathing heavily (as after exertion)
subtype: periodic_breathing__Cheyne-Stokes_respiration abnormal respiration in which periods of shallow and deep breathing alternate
subtype: smoking__smoke the act of smoking tobacco or other substances; "he went outside for a smoke"; "smoking stinks"
subtype: puffing blowing tobacco smoke out into the air; "they smoked up the room with their ceaseless puffing"
subtype: snoring__snore__stertor the act of snoring or producing a snoring sound
subtype: snuffle__sniffle__snivel the act of breathing heavily through the nose (as when the nose is congested)
subtype: wheeze breathing with a husky or whistling sound
subtype: second_wind the return of relatively easy breathing after initial exhaustion during continuous exertion
subtype: breath the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing; "he took a deep breath and dived into the pool"; "he was fighting to his last breath"
subtype: exhalation__expiration__breathing_out__breathingout the act of expelling air from the lungs
subtype: cough__coughing the act of exhaling air suddenly with a noise
subtype: huffing__puffing__snorting an act of forcible exhalation
subtype: blow.exhalation__puff forceful exhalation through the nose or mouth; "he gave his nose a loud blow"; "he blew out all the candles with a single puff"
subtype: insufflation an act of blowing or breathing on or into something
subtype: wind.exhalation breath; "the collision knocked the wind out of him"
subtype: inhalation__inspiration__breathing_in__breathingin the act of inhaling
subtype: gasp__pant a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open; "she gave a gasp and fainted"
subtype: puff.inhalation__drag__pull a slow inhalation (as of tobacco smoke); "he took a puff on his pipe"; "he took a drag on his cigarette and expelled the smoke slowly"
subtype: toke a puff of a marijuana or hashish cigarette: "the boys took a few tokes on a joint"
subtype: consumption__intake__uptake the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating)
subtype: eating__feeding the act of consuming food
subtype: chomp__bite the act of gripping or chewing off with the teeth and jaws
subtype: munch a large bite; "he tried to talk between munches on the sandwich"
subtype: nibble gentle biting
subtype: nip__pinch small sharp biting
subtype: browse__browsing the act of feeding by continual nibbling
subtype: coprophagy__coprophagia eating feces; in human a symptom of some kinds of insanity
subtype: dining the act of eating dinner
subtype: Dutch_treat a dinner where each person pays for his own
subtype: engorgement eating ravenously or voraciously to satiation
subtype: feasting__banqueting eating an elaborate meal (often accompanied by entertainment)
subtype: geophagy__geophagia__pica eating earth or clay or chalk; occurs in some primitive tribes or sometimes in cases of nutritional deficiency
subtype: grazing__graze the act of grazing
subtype: lunching the act of eating lunch
subtype: repletion__surfeit eating until excessively full
subtype: supping ingestion of liquid food with a spoon or by drinking
subtype: savoring__tasting__savouring__relishing__degustation taking a small amount into the mouth to test its quality; "cooking was fine but it was the savoring that he enjoyed most"
subtype: necrophagia__necrophagy feeding on corpses or carrion
subtype: omophagia the eating of raw food
subtype: scatophagy the eating of excrement or other filth
subtype: deglutition__swallow__drink the act of swallowing; "one swallow of the liquid was enough"; "he took a drink of his beer and smacked his lips"
subtype: aerophagia swallowing air (usually followed by belching and discomfort and flatulence)
subtype: gulp__draft__draught__swig a large and hurried swallow; "he finished it at a single gulp"
subtype: sip__nip a small drink
subtype: sucking__suck__suction the act of sucking
subtype: imbibing__drinking__imbibition the act of consuming liquids
subtype: swilling__gulping__guzzling the drinking of large mouthfuls rapidly
subtype: potation the act of drinking (especially an alcoholic drink)
subtype: sexual_activity__sexual_practice__sex__sex_activity__sexactivity activities associated with sexual intercourse; "they had sex in the back seat"
subtype: bondage sexual practice that involves physically restraining (by cords or handcuffs) one of the partners
subtype: outercourse mutual sexual gratification without the exchange of bodily fluids
subtype: safe_sex sexual activity (especially sexual intercourse) with the use of measures (such as latex condoms) to avoid the transmission of disease (especially AIDS)
subtype: conception the act of becoming pregnant; fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon
subtype: sexual_intercourse__intercourse__sex_act__sexact__copulation__coitus__coition__sexual_congress__congress__sexual_relation__relation__carnal_knowledge the act of sexual procreation between a man and a woman; the man's penis is inserted into the woman's vagina and excited until orgasm and ejaculation occur
subtype: fuck__fucking__screw__screwing__ass__as__nookie__piece_of_ass__roll_in_the_hay__shag__shtup slang terms for sexual intercourse
subtype: hank_panky illicit sexual intercourse
subtype: penetration.sexual_intercourse the act (by a man) of inserting his penis into the vagina of a woman
subtype: unlawful_carnal_knowledge__criminal_congress forbidden or tabu sexual intercourse between individuals
subtype: extramarital_sex__free_love sexual intercourse between individuals who are not married to one another
subtype: adultery__criminal_conversation__fornication extramarital sex that willfully and maliciously interferes with marriage relations; "adultery is often cited as grounds for divorce"
subtype: fornication voluntary sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other
subtype: incest sexual intercourse between persons too closely related to marry (as between a parent and a child)
subtype: pleasure.sexual_activity sexual gratification; "he took his pleasure of her"
subtype: sexual_love__lovemaking__making_love__love__love_life sexual activities (often including sexual intercourse) between two people; "his lovemaking disgusted her"; "he hadn't had any love in months"; "he has a very complicated love life"
subtype: carnal_abuse any lascivious contact by an adult with the sexual organs of a child (especially not involving sexual intercourse)
subtype: mating__coupling__pairing__conjugation__sexual_union the act of pairing a male and female for reproductive purposes; "the casual couplings of adolescents"; "the mating of some species occurs only in the spring"
subtype: assortative_mating__assortativemating mating of individuals having more traits in common than likely in random mating
subtype: disassortative_mating mating of individuals having traits more dissimilar than likely in random mating
subtype: hybridization__hybridisation__crossbreeding__crossing__cross__cros__hybridizing the act of mixing different breeds of animals
subtype: inbreeding the act of mating closely related individuals
subtype: servicing__service the act of mating by male animals; "the bull was worth good money in servicing fees"
subtype: procreation__reproduction__breeding__facts_of_life the sexual activity of conceiving and bearing offspring
subtype: miscegenation__crossbreeding__interbreeding reproduction by parents of different races (especially by white and non-white persons)
subtype: generation.procreation__multiplication__propagation the act of propagating
subtype: biogenesis__biogeny the production of living organisms from other living organisms
subtype: foreplay__arousal__stimulation mutual sexual stimulation prior to sexual intercourse
subtype: caressing__cuddling__fondling__hugging__kissing__necking__petting__smooching__snuggling affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
subtype: snogging (British informal) cuddle and kiss
subtype: feel.foreplay manual-genital stimulation for sexual pleasure; "the girls hated it when he tried to sneak a feel"
subtype: sexual_perversion__perversion an aberrant sexual practice that is preferred to normal intercourse
subtype: paraphilia abnormal sexual activity
subtype: exhibitionism.paraphilia__immodesty the perverse act of exposing and attracting attention to your own genitals
subtype: fetishism__fetichism sexual arousal or gratification resulting from handling a fetish (or a specific part of the body other than the sexual organs)
subtype: pedophilia__paedophilia sexual activity of an adult with a child
subtype: pederasty__paederasty sexual relations between a man and a boy (usually anal intercourse with the boy as a passive partner)
subtype: voyeurism perversion in which a person receives sexual gratification from seeing the genitalia of others or witnessing others' sexual behavior
subtype: zoophilia__zoophilism sexual attraction to animals
subtype: sodomy__buggery__anal_sex__anal_intercourse anal intercourse committed by a man with a man or woman
subtype: oral_sex__head oral-genital stimulation; "they say he gives good head"
subtype: cunnilingus__cunnilinctus oral stimulation of the vulva or clitoris
subtype: fellatio__fellation oral stimulation of the penis
subtype: cock_sucking__blowjob slang terms for fellatio
subtype: soixante-neuf__sixty-nine__sixtynine oral sex practiced simultaneously by two people
subtype: autoeroticism__autoerotism using you own body as a sexual object
subtype: masturbation__onanism__self-abuse manual stimulation of the genital organs (of yourself or another) for sexual pleasure
subtype: frottage masturbation by rubbing against another person (as in a crowd)
subtype: jacking_off__jackingoff__jerking_off__jerkingoff__hand_job__wank slang terms for masturbation
subtype: promiscuity__promiscuousness__promiscuousnes__sleepingaround indulging in promiscuous (casual and indiscriminate) sexual relations
subtype: one-night_stand.promiscuity__onenightstand a brief sexual encounter lasting only for a single night; "he ran through a series of loveless one-night stands"
subtype: lechery unrestrained indulgence in sexual activity
subtype: homosexuality__homosexualism__homoeroticism__gayness__gaynes a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the same sex
subtype: lesbianism__sapphism female homosexuality
subtype: pederasty__paederasty sexual relations between a man and a boy (usually anal intercourse with the boy as a passive partner)
subtype: bisexuality sexual activity with both men and women
subtype: heterosexuality__heterosexualism__straightness a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the opposite sex
subtype: bestiality__zooerastia__zooerasty sexual activity between a person and an animal
subtype: insemination the introduction of semen into the genital tract of a female
subtype: artificial_insemination__AI the introduction of semen into the oviduct or uterus by some means other than sexual intercourse
subtype: sleeping the suspension of consciousness and decrease in metabolic rate
subtype: sleepwalking__somnambulism__somnambulation__noctambulism__noctambulation walking by a person who is asleep
subtype: sleep_talking__sleeptalking__somniloquy__somniloquism uttering speech while asleep
subtype: catnap__nap__cat_sleep__catsleep__forty_winks__fortywink__short_sleep__shortsleep__snooze a short sleep (usually not in bed)
subtype: siesta a nap in the early afternoon (especially in hot countries)
subtype: doze__drowse a light fitful sleep
subtype: reaction.bodily_process__response a bodily process occurring due to the effect of some foregoing stimulus or agent; "a bad reaction to the medicine"; "his responses have slowed with age"
subtype: automatism any reaction that occurs automatically without conscious thought or reflection (especially the undirected behavior seen in psychomotor epilepsy)
subtype: rebound.reaction a reaction to a crisis or setback or frustration; "he is still on the rebound from his wife's death"
subtype: overreaction an excessive reaction; a reaction with inappropriate emotional behavior
subtype: galvanic_skin_response__GSR__psychogalvanic_response__electrodermal_response__electrodermalresponse__electrical_skin_response__Fere_phenomenon__Tarchanoff_phenomenon a change in the electrical properties of the skin in response to stress or anxiety; can be measured either by recording the electrical resistance of the skin or by recording weak currents generated by the body
subtype: immune_response__immune_reaction__immunologic_response__immunologicresponse a bodily defense reaction that recognizes an invading substance (an antigen: such as a virus or fungus or bacteria or transplanted organ) and produces antibodies specific against that antigen
subtype: anamnestic_response__anamnestic_reaction renewed rapid production of an antibody on the second (or subsequent) encounter with the same antigen
subtype: humoral_immune_response__humoralimmuneresponse an immune response (chiefly against bacterial invasion) that is mediated by B cells
subtype: cell-mediated_immune_response an immune response (chiefly against viral or fungal invasions or transplanted tissue) that involves T cells
subtype: complement_fixation an immune response in which an antigen-antibody combination inactivates a complement (so it is unavailable to participate in a second antigen-antibody combination)
subtype: tropism an involuntary orienting response; positive or negative reaction to a stimulus source
subtype: ergotropism an affinity for work
subtype: geotropism an orienting response to gravity
subtype: heliotropism an orienting response to the sun
subtype: meteortropism an effect of climate on biological processes (as the effect on joint pains etc.)
subtype: neurotropism an affinity for neural tissues
subtype: phototropism an orienting response to light
subtype: trophotropism an orienting response to food
subtype: taxis.reaction__taxi a locomotor response toward or away from an external stimulus by a motile (and usually simple) organism
subtype: chemotaxis movement by a cell or organism in reaction to a chemical stimulus
subtype: negative_chemotaxis movement away from a chemical stimulus
subtype: positive_chemotaxis movement toward a chemical stimulus
subtype: kinesis__kinesi a movement that is a response to a stimulus but is not oriented with respect to the source of stimulation
subtype: double_take a delayed reaction indicating surprise
subtype: unconditioned_reflex__unconditionedreflex__reflex__instinctive_reflex__instinctivereflex__innate_reflex__inborn_reflex__physiological_reaction__physiologicalreaction an automatic instinctive unlearned reaction to a stimulus
subtype: accommodation_reflex__accommodationreflex reflex changes in the eyes that enable an object to be focused on the retina
subtype: Babinski_reflex__Babinski__Babinski_sign extension upward of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front; normal in infants under the age of two years but a sign of brain or spinal cord injury in older persons
subtype: belch__burp__burping a reflex that expels wind noisily from the stomach through the mouth
subtype: eye_blink__eyeblink__blink__blinking__wink__winking__nictitation__nictation a reflex that closes and opens the eyes rapidly
subtype: palpebration repeated blinking or winking (especially if uncontrolled and persistent)
subtype: blush__flush sudden reddening of the face (as from embarrassment or guilt or shame or modesty)
subtype: vomiting__vomit__emesis__regurgitation__disgorgement__puking the reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
subtype: rumination regurgitation of small amounts of food; seen in some infants after feeding
subtype: hematemesis__hematemesi__haematemesis vomiting blood
subtype: hyperemesis__hyperemesi severe and excessive vomiting
subtype: hyperemesis_gravidarum__hyperemesisgravidarum hyperemesis during pregnancy; if severe it can result in damage to the brain and liver and kidney
subtype: defecation_reflex__rectal_reflex normal response to the presence of feces in the rectum
subtype: yawn__yawning an involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom
subtype: pandiculation yawning and stretching (as when first waking up)
subtype: electrical_shock__electric_shock__shock a reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body
subtype: fart__farting__flatus__wind__breaking_wind a reflex that expels intestinal gas through the anus
subtype: gulping__gulp a spasmodic reflex of the throat made as if in swallowing
subtype: knee_jerk__knee-jerk_reflex__patellar_reflex a reflex extension of the leg resulting from a sharp tap on the patellar tendon
subtype: light_reflex__lightreflex__pupillary_reflex__pupillaryreflex__miosis__myosis reflex contraction of the sphincter muscle of the iris in response to a bright light (or certain drugs) causing the pupil to become smaller
subtype: mydriasis__mydriasi reflex pupillary dilation as a muscle pulls the iris outward; occurs in response to a decrease in light or certain drugs
subtype: micturition_reflex__micturitionreflex relaxation of the urethral sphincter in response to increased pressure in the bladder
subtype: pharyngeal_reflex__gag_reflex__gagreflex normal reflex consisting of retching; may be produced by touching the soft palate in the back of the mouth
subtype: pilomotor_reflex__pilomotorreflex__gooseflesh__goose_bump__goosebump__goose_pimple__goosepimple__goose_skin__gooseskin__horripilation reflex erection of hairs of the skin in response to cold or emotional stress or skin irritation
subtype: plantar_reflex__plantarreflex flexion of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked firmly on the outer side from the heel to the front in persons over the age of 2 years; under 2 years the results should be extension of the toes (Babinski reflex)
subtype: rooting_reflex__rootingreflex reflex consisting of head-turning and sucking movements elicited in a normal infant by gently stroking the side of the mouth of cheek
subtype: startle__jump__start a sudden involuntary movement: "he awoke with a start"
subtype: startle_response__startleresponse__startle_reaction__startlereaction a complicated involuntary reaction to a sudden unexpected stimulus (especially a loud noise); involves flexion of most skeletal muscles and a variety of visceral reactions
subtype: startle_reflex__startlereflex__Moro_reflex a normal reflex of young infants; a sudden loud noise causes the child to stretch out the arms and flex the legs
subtype: flinch__wince a reflex response to sudden pain
subtype: stretch_reflex__stretchreflex__myotacticreflex reflex contraction of a muscle when an attached tendon is pulled; important in maintaining erect posture
subtype: suckling_reflex reflex behavior in newborn mammals; includes finding and grasping the nipple in the mouth and sucking on it and swallowing the milk
subtype: tremble__shiver__shake reflex shaking caused by cold or fear or excitement
subtype: sneeze__sneezing__sternutation a symptom consisting of the involuntary expulsion of air from the nose
subtype: hiccup__hiccough__singultus__singultu (usually plural) the state of having reflex spasms of the diaphragm accompanied by a rapid closure of the glottis producing an audible sound; sometimes a symptom of indigestion; "how do you cure the hiccups?"
subtype: learned_reaction__learnedreaction__learned_response__learnedresponse a reaction that has been acquired by learning
subtype: conditional_reflex__conditionalreflex__conditioned_reflex__conditionedreflex__acquired_reflex__conditional_reaction__conditionalreaction__conditioned_reaction__conditionedreaction__conditional_response__conditionalresponse__conditioned_response__conditionedresponse an acquired response that is under the control of (conditional on the occurrence of) a stimulus
subtype: conditioned_avoidance_response__conditionedavoidanceresponse__conditioned_avoidance__conditionedavoidance a conditioned response that anticipates the occurrence of an aversive stimulus
subtype: passage.reaction__passing a bodily process of passing from one place or stage to another; "the passage of air from the lungs"; "the passing of flatus"
subtype: answer.reaction a nonverbal reaction; "his answer to any problem was to get drunk"; "their answer was to sue me"
subtype: transfusion_reaction__transfusionreaction reaction of the body to a transfusion of blood that is not compatible with its own blood; an adverse reaction can range from fever and hives to renal failure and shock and death
subtype: crying__weeping__tears__tear the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds); "I hate to hear the crying of a child"; "she was in tears"
subtype: snivel__sniveling whining in a tearful manner
subtype: sob convulsive gasp made while weeping
subtype: wailing__bawling loud cries made while weeping
subtype: ablactation the cessation of lactation
subtype: anastalsis muscular action of the alimentary tract in a direction opposite to peristalsis
subtype: expelling__discharge__emission any of several bodily processes by which substances go out of the body; "the discharge of pus"
subtype: ejaculation the discharge of semen in males
subtype: nocturnal_emission__nocturnalemission ejaculation during sleep (usually during a dream)
subtype: premature_ejaculation__prematureejaculation ejaculation during the early stages of sexual excitement or soon after the insertion of the penis into the vagina
subtype: excretion__evacuation__excreting__voiding the bodily process of discharging waste matter
subtype: defecation__laxation__shitting the elimination of fecal waste through the anus
subtype: bowel_movement__bowelmovement__movement__bm a euphemism for defecation; "he had a bowel movement"
subtype: hematochezia__haematochezia passa ges of stools containing blood (as from diverticulosis or colon cancer or peptic ulcer)
subtype: shit__dump a coarse term for defecation; "he took a shit"
subtype: urochesia__urochezia passage of urine from the anus
subtype: incontinence__incontinency involuntary urination or defecation
subtype: enuresis__urinary_incontinence__urinaryincontinence inability to control the flow of urine and involuntary urination
subtype: bed-wetting__bedwetting enuresis during sleep; especially common in children (who usually outgrow it)
subtype: overflow_incontinence urinary incontinence that occurs when the bladder is so full that it continually leaks urine; often attributable to a blocked urethra (e.g., due to prostate enlargement) or weak bladder muscles or nerve damage
subtype: stress_incontinence urinary incontinence that occurs when involuntary pressure is put on the bladder by coughing or laughing or sneezing or lifting or straining
subtype: urge_incontinence urinary incontinence that is generally attributable to involuntary contracts of the bladder muscle resulting in an urgent need to urinate accompanied by a sudden loss of urine; most common in people over 60 years of age
subtype: micturition__urination the discharge of urine
subtype: making_water__leak__wetting__passing_water__passingwater a euphemism for urination; "he had to take a leak"
subtype: lithuresis passing small stones with the urine
subtype: nocturia__nycturia excessive urination at night; especially common in older men
subtype: oliguria production of an abnormally small amount of urine
subtype: peeing__pee__pissing__piss informal terms for urination; "he took a pee"
subtype: menstruation__menses__catamenia__period__flow the monthly discharge of blood from the uterus of nonpregnant women from puberty to menopause; "the women were sickly and subject to excessive menstruation"; "a woman does not take the gout unless her menses be stopped"--Hippocrates; "the semen begins to appear in males and to be emitted at the same time of life that the catamenia begin to flow in females"--Aristotle
subtype: menorrhagia__hypermenorrhea abnormally heavy or prolonged menstruation; can be a symptom of uterine tumors and can lead to anemia if prolonged
subtype: oligomenorrhea abnormally light or infrequent menstruation
subtype: expectoration the process of coughing up and spitting out
subtype: festering the formation and discharge of pus
subtype: healing the natural process by which the body repairs itself
subtype: convalescence__recuperation__recovery gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury
subtype: lysis.convalescence__lysi recuperation in which the symptoms of an acute disease gradually subside
subtype: rally.convalescence a marked recovery of strength or spirits during an illness
subtype: conglutination__union healing process involving the growing together of the edges of a wound or the growing together of broken bones
subtype: hypostasis.bodily_process the accumulation of blood in an organ
subtype: lacrimation__lachrymation__tearing__watering shedding tears
subtype: lactation the production and secretion of milk by the mammary glands
subtype: opsonization__opsonisation process whereby opsonins make an invading microorganism more susceptible to phagocytosis
subtype: overactivity excessive activity; "overactivity of the sebaceous glands causes the skin to become oily"
subtype: peristalsis__peristalsi__vermiculation the process of wave-like muscle contractions of the alimentary tract that moves food along
subtype: sweating__perspiration__diaphoresis__diaphoresi__sudation__hidrosis the process of the sweat glands of the skin secreting a salty fluid; "perspiration is a homeostatic process"
subtype: hyperhidrosis__hyperhidrosi__hyperidrosis__polyhidrosis excessive and profuse perspiration
subtype: phagocytosis process in which phagocytes engulf and digest microorganisms and cellular debris; an important defense against infection
subtype: pinocytosis process by which certain cells can engulf and incorporate droplets of fluid
subtype: placentation.bodily_process the formation of the placenta in the uterus
subtype: psilosis falling out of hair
subtype: tanning.bodily_process process in which skin pigmentation darkens as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light
subtype: carbon_cycle.organic_process__carboncycle the organic circulation of carbon from the atmosphere into organisms and back again
subtype: catabolism__katabolism__dissimilation__destructivemetabolism breakdown of more complex substances into simpler ones with release of energy
subtype: cell_division__cellular_division the process in reproduction and growth by which a cell divides to form daughter cells
subtype: amitosis the direct method of cell division characterized by simple division of the nucleus without formation of chromosomes
subtype: segmentation__cleavage (embryology) the repeated division of a fertilised ovum
subtype: meiosis__miosis__reduction_division__reductiondivision (genetics) cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms; the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants)
subtype: nondisjunction meiosis in which there is a failure of paired homologous chromosomes to separate; results in an abnormal number of chromosomes in the daughter cells
subtype: mitosis__mitosi cell division in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes
subtype: crossing_over__crossover the interchange of sections between pairing homologous chromosomes during the prophase of meiosis
subtype: defoliation.organic_process the loss of foliage
subtype: deossification the loss of the mineral content of bone tissue
subtype: digestion the organic process by which food is converted into substances that can be absorbed into the body
subtype: gastric_digestion__gastricdigestion the process of breaking down proteins by the action of the gastric juice in the stomach
subtype: eburnation a change that occurs in degenerative joint disease in which bone is converted into a dense smooth substance resembling ivory
subtype: ecchymosis the escape of blood from ruptured blood vessels into the surrounding tissue to form a purple or black-and-blue spot on the skin
subtype: effacement shortening of the uterine cervix and thinning of its walls as it is dilated during labor
subtype: erythropoiesis the process of producing red blood cells in the bone marrow
subtype: phylogeny__evolution__phylogenesi the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms
subtype: anamorphosis.phylogeny the evolution of one type of organism from another by a long series of gradual changes
subtype: anthropogenesis__anthropogeny the evolution or genesis of the human race
subtype: emergent_evolution the appearance of entirely new properties at certain critical stages in the course of evolution
subtype: macroevolution evolution on a large scale extending over geologic era and resulting in the formation of new taxonomic groups
subtype: microevolution evolution resulting from small specific genetic changes that can lead to a new subspecies
subtype: speciation the evolution of a biological species
subtype: extravasation the process of exuding or passing out of a vessel into surrounding tissues; said or blood or lymph or urine
subtype: blood_extravasation__bloodextravasation the leakage of blood from a vessel into tissues surrounding it; can occur in injuries or burns or allergic reactions
subtype: urocele extravasation of urine into the scrotal sac
subtype: gastrulation the process in which a gastrula develops from a blastula by the inward migration of cells
subtype: glycogenesis the formation in animals of glycogen from glucose
subtype: maturation__growth__growing__development__ontogeny__ontogenesis__ontogenesi the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level; "he proposed an indicator of osseous development in children"
subtype: amelogenesis the developmental process of forming tooth enamel
subtype: angiogenesis the formation of new blood vessels
subtype: apposition (biology) growth in the thickness of a cell wall by the deposit of successive layers of material
subtype: auxesis__auxesi growth from increase in cell size without cell division
subtype: blossoming__flowering__florescence__anthesis__efflorescence the time and process of budding and unfolding of blossoms
subtype: cenogenesis__cenogenesi__kenogenesis__kenogenesi__caenogenesis__cainogenesis__kainogenesis introduction during embryonic development of characters or structure not present in the earlier evolutionary history of the strain or species (as addition of the placenta in mammalian evolution)
subtype: cytogenesis the origin and development of cells
subtype: leafing__foliation the process of forming leaves
subtype: fructification the bearing of fruit
subtype: gametogenesis__gametogenesi the development and maturation of sex cells through meiosis
subtype: oogenesis__oogenesi development of ova
subtype: spermatogenesis__spermatogenesi development of spermatozoa
subtype: germination__sprouting the process whereby seeds or spores sprout and begin to grow
subtype: intussusception (biology) growth in the surface area of a cell by the deposit of new particles between existing particles in the cell wall
subtype: juvenescence the process of growing into a youth
subtype: life_cycle.maturation__lifecycle the course of developmental changes in an organism from fertilized zygote to maturity when another zygote can be produced
subtype: masculinization__masculinisation__virilization__virilisation the abnormal development of male sexual characteristics in a female (usually as the result of hormone therapies or adrenal malfunction)
subtype: morphogenesis__morphogenesi differentiation and growth of the structure of an organism (or a part of an organism)
subtype: myelinization__myelinisation the development of a myelin sheath around a nerve fiber
subtype: neurogenesis the development of nerve tissues
subtype: palingenesis__recapitulation emergence during embryonic development of various characters or structures that appeared during the evolutionary history of the strain or species
subtype: proliferation growth by the rapid multiplication of parts
subtype: psychomotor_development__psychomotordevelopment progressive acquisition of skills involving both mental and motor activities
subtype: psychosexual_development (psychoanalysis) the process during which personality and sexual behavior mature through a series of stages: first oral stage and then anal stage and then phallic stage and then latency stage and finally genital stage
subtype: rooting the process of putting forth roots and beginning to grow
subtype: teething__dentition__odontiasis the eruption through the gums of baby teeth
subtype: precocious_dentition teething at an earlier age than expected
subtype: teratogenesis__teratogenesi the development of defects in an embryo
subtype: hematopoiesis__hematopoiesi__haematopoiesis__hemopoiesis__haemopoiesis__hemogenesis__haemogenesis__hematosis__haematosis__hematogenesis__hematogenesi__haematogenesis__sanguification the formation of blood cells in the living body (especially in the bone marrow)
subtype: heredity the biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next
subtype: epistasis__epistasi__hypostasis the suppression of a gene by the effect of an unrelated gene
subtype: nidation__implantation (embryology) the organic process whereby a fertilized egg becomes implanted in the lining of the uterus of placental mammals
subtype: inhibition.organic_process (physiology) the process whereby nerves can retard or prevent the functioning of an organ or part; "the inhibition of the heart by the vagus nerve"
subtype: invagination__introversion__intussusception the folding in of an outer layer so as to form a pocket in the surface
subtype: involution.organic_process reduction in size of an organ or part (as in the return of the uterus to normal size after childbirth)
subtype: karyokinesis organic process consisting of the division of the nucleus of a cell during mitosis or meiosis
subtype: keratinization__keratinisation organic process by which keratin is deposited in cells and the cells become horny (as in nails and hair)
subtype: Krebs_cycle__Krebs_citric_acid_cycle__citric_acid_cycle__tricarboxylic_acid_cycle in all plants and animals: a series of enzymatic reactions in mitochondria involving oxidative metabolism of acetyl compounds to produce high-energy phosphate compounds that are the source of cellular energy
subtype: lymphopoiesis__lymphopoiesi the formation of lymphocytes in the bone marrow and lymph nodes and thymus and spleen
subtype: maturement__maturation__ripening coming to full development; becoming mature
subtype: metabolic_process__metabolicproces__metastasis the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life
subtype: basal_metabolism__basalmetabolism the amount of energy required to maintain the body of an individual in a resting state
subtype: fat_metabolism__fatmetabolism a metabolic process that breaks down ingested fats into fatty acids and glycerol and then into simpler compounds that can be used by cells of the body
subtype: glycolysis a metabolic process that breaks down carbohydrates and sugars through a series of reactions to either pyruvic acid or lactic acid and release energy for the body in the form of ATP
subtype: metabolism__metamorphosis__metamorphosi the marked and rapid transformation of a larva into an adult that occurs in some animals
subtype: nitrogen_cycle the circulation of nitrogen; nitrates from the soil are absorbed by plants which are eaten by animals that die and decay returning the nitrogen back to the soil
subtype: nitrogen_fixation the assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen by soil bacteria and its release for plant use on the death of the bacteria
subtype: nondevelopment failure of normal development to occur
subtype: agenesis__agenesia imperfect development; nondevelopment of a part
subtype: nutrition.organic_process the organic process of nourishing or being nourished; the processes by which an organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and maintenance
subtype: organification the process of organ formation
subtype: ossification the process of bone formation
subtype: ovulation the expulsion of an ovum from the ovary (usually midway in the menstrual cycle)
subtype: oxidative_phosphorylation__oxidativephosphorylation an enzymatic process in cell metabolism that synthesizes ATP from ADP
subtype: parturition__birth__giving_birth__birthing the process of giving birth
subtype: brooding__incubation sitting on eggs so as to hatch them by the warmth of the body
subtype: calving giving birth to a calf
subtype: childbirth__childbearing__accouchement__vaginal_birth__vaginalbirth the parturition process in human beings; having a baby; the process of giving birth to a child
subtype: active_birth childbirth during which the mother is encouraged to be an active participant
subtype: alternative_birth__alternativebirth__alternative_birthing__alternativebirthing a method of childbirth that avoids intrusive high-tech medicine in favor of more natural and homely settings
subtype: natural_childbirth__naturalchildbirth labor and childbirth without medical intervention; no drugs are given to relieve pain or aid the birth process; "natural childbirth is considered the safest for the baby"
subtype: Bradley_method_of_childbirth__Bradley_method a method that prepares a mother for natural childbirth by providing education and exercises and nutrition and techniques of breathing and relaxation (with the assistance of the father)
subtype: Lamaze_method_of_childbirth__Lamaze_method a method that prepares a mother for natural childbirth; the pregnant woman (in classes and at home) practices (usually with the help of a coach) learns about the physiology of childbirth and techniques of relaxation and concentration and breathing
subtype: Leboyer_method_of_childbirth__Leboyer_method a method of childbirth that tries to minimize the trauma for the newborn; delivery occurs in a quiet dimly lit room and the infant's head is not pulled and immediate mother-child bonding is encouraged
subtype: Read_method_of_childbirth__Read_method a method of natural childbirth that assumes it is a normal process and that the pain is largely psychological; involves education and breathing exercises to foster relaxation and other exercises
subtype: farrow__farrowing the production of a litter of pigs
subtype: hatching__hatch the production of young from an egg
subtype: egg_laying__egglaying__laying the production of eggs (especially in birds)
subtype: parturiency__labor__labour__confinement__lyingin__travail__childbed concluding state of pregnancy; from the onset of labor to the birth of a child; "she was in labor for six hours"
subtype: premature_labor__prematurelabor__premature_labour__prematurelabour labor beginning prior to the 37th week of gestation
subtype: pathologic_process__pathological_process an organic process occurring as a consequence of disease
subtype: feminization__feminisation the process of becoming feminized; the development of female characteristics (loss of facial hair or breast enlargement) in a male because of hormonal disorders or castration
subtype: metastasis the spreading of a disease to another part of the body
subtype: neoplasia the pathological process that results in the formation and growth of a tumor
subtype: pathogenesis the origination and development of a disease
subtype: focalization__focalisation the confinement of an infection to a limited area
subtype: zymosis the development and spread of an infectious disease
subtype: perennation the process of living through a number of years (as a perennial plant)
subtype: quellung_reaction__quellung the swelling of the capsule surrounding a microorganism after reaction with an antibody; the basis of certain tests for identifying microorganisms; "pneumococcus quellung"
subtype: quickening the process of showing signs of life; "the quickening of seed that will become ripe grain"
subtype: regeneration.organic_process (biology) growth anew of lost tissue or destroyed parts or organs
subtype: morphallaxis regeneration on a reduced scale of a body part; observed especially in invertebrates such as certain lobsters
subtype: replication.organic_process (genetics) the process whereby DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division
subtype: reproduction the process of generating offspring
subtype: asexual_reproduction__asexualreproduction__agamogenesis reproduction without the fusion of gametes
subtype: apomixis any of several kinds of reproduction without fertilization
subtype: apogamy (botany) development of an embryo without fertilization; (especially in some ferns) development of a sporophyte from the gametophyte without fertilization
subtype: parthenogenesis__parthenogenesi__parthenogeny process in which an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual; common among insects and some other arthropods
subtype: blastogenesis.asexual_reproduction__blastogenesi asexual reproduction by budding
subtype: budding reproduction of some unicellular organisms by growth and specialization followed by the separation by constriction of a part of the parent
subtype: fission reproduction of some unicellular organisms by division of the cell into two more or less equal parts
subtype: schizogony asexual reproduction by multiple fission; characteristic of many sporozoan protozoans
subtype: monogenesis__monogenesi__sporulation asexual reproduction by the production and release of spores
subtype: heterospory the development of both microspores and megaspores
subtype: homospory the development of a single kind of asexual spores
subtype: virgin_birth__parthenogenesis__parthenogenesi__parthenogeny human conception without fertilization by a man
subtype: androgenesis__androgeny male parthenogenesis in which the embryo contains only paternal chromosomes due to the failure of the egg nucleus to participate in fertilization
subtype: gynogenesis__gynogenesi female parthenogenesis in which the embryo contains only maternal chromosomes due to the failure of the sperm to fuse with the egg nucleus
subtype: sexual_reproduction__amphimixis reproduction involving the union or fusion of a male and a female gamete
subtype: anisogamy (biology) reproduction by the union or fusion of two differing gametes (especially differing in size)
subtype: isogamy (biology) reproduction by the union or fusion of games of the same size and structure
subtype: resorption__reabsorption the organic process in which the substance of some differentiated structure that has been produced by the body undergoes lysis and assimilation
subtype: ripening__aging__ageing acquiring desirable qualities by being left undisturbed for some time
subtype: mellowing the process of becoming mellow
subtype: secernment__secretion the organic process of synthesizing and releasing some substance
subtype: galactosis the secretion of milk
subtype: hypersecretion excessive secretion
subtype: salivation the secretion of saliva
subtype: ptyalism excessive flow of saliva
subtype: segregation.organic_process (genetics) the separation of paired alleles during meiosis so that members of each pair of alleles appear in different gametes
subtype: shedding__sloughing the process whereby something is shed
subtype: abscission shedding of flowers and leaves and fruit following formation of scar tissue in a plant
subtype: molt__molting__moult__moulting__ecdysis__ecdysi periodic shedding of the cuticle in arthropods or the outer skin in reptiles
subtype: symphysis__symphysi a growing together of parts or structures
subtype: synapsis the side by side pairing of homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes at the start of meiosis
subtype: synizesis__synizesi__synezesis__synezesi the contraction of chromatin towards one side of the nucleus during the prophase of meiosis
subtype: transcription.organic_process (genetics) the organic process whereby the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA; the process whereby a base sequence of messenger RNA is synthesized on a template of complementary DNA
subtype: transduction.organic_process (genetics) the process of transfering genetic material from one cell to another by a plasmid or bacteriophage
subtype: translation.organic_process (genetics) the process whereby genetic information coded in messenger RNA directs the formation of a specific protein at a ribosome in the cytoplasm
subtype: translocation (genetics) an exchange of chromosome parts; "translocations can result in serious congenital disorders"
subtype: translocation.organic_process the transport of dissolved material within a plant
subtype: transpiration.organic_process the emission of water vapor from the leaves of plants
subtype: tumefaction the process of tumefying; the organic process whereby tissue becomes swollen by the accumulation of fluid within it
subtype: vascularization__vascularisation the organic process whereby body tissue becomes vascular and develops capillaries
subtype: vesiculation__vesication__blistering the formation of vesicles
No statement uses or specializes organic_process; click here to add one.
412 categories printed