adjective
circadian
sir-KAY-dee-un/sɜːrˈkeɪdiən/
Relating to biological cycles of about twenty-four hours.
The sequence of sleeping and waking illustrates a circadian rhythm.
Etymology
“About” and “day” describe a cycle lasting roughly one day. The term was coined for circadian rhythm, tying that approximate duration to recurring biological activity.
In context
maintaining your circadian rhythms so sleep people always talk about sleep being so important
More examples
- Light helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm.
- The researchers measured circadian variations in temperature.
- Night work can disrupt normal circadian patterns.
Forms
circadian
Similar words
- daily
- Daily simply means happening each day; circadian specifically concerns a roughly twenty-four-hour biological rhythm.