'comparative physiology' definitions:

Definition of 'comparative physiology'

From: GCIDE
  • Comparative \Com*par"a*tive\, a. [L. comparativus: cf. F. comparatif.]
  • 1. Of or pertaining to comparison. "The comparative faculty." --Glanvill. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Proceeding from, or by the method of, comparison; as, the comparative sciences; the comparative anatomy. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Estimated by comparison; relative; not positive or absolute, as compared with another thing or state. [1913 Webster]
  • The recurrence of comparative warmth and cold. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]
  • The bubble, by reason of its comparative levity to the fluid that incloses it, would necessarily ascend to the top. --Bentley. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Gram.) Expressing a degree greater or less than the positive degree of the quality denoted by an adjective or adverb. The comparative degree is formed from the positive by the use of -er, more, or less; as, brighter, more bright, or less bright. [1913 Webster]
  • Comparative sciences, those which are based on a comprehensive comparison of the range of objects or facts in any branch or department, and which aim to study out and treat of the fundamental laws or systems of relation pervading them; as, comparative anatomy, {comparative physiology}, comparative philology. [1913 Webster]