zeitgeber

Definition

A rhythmically occurring cue given by the environment, such as a change in light or temperature, to reset the internal body clock.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *deh₂y- Proto-Indo-European *-tis Proto-Indo-European *déh₂itis Proto-Germanic *tīdiz Proto-West Germanic *tīdi Old High German zīt Middle High German zīt German Zeit Proto-Indo-European *gʰebʰ- Proto-Germanic *gebaną Proto-West Germanic *geban Old High German gëban Middle High German gëben German geben Latin -ariusbor. Proto-Germanic *-ārijaz Proto-West Germanic *-ārī Old High German -āri German -er German Geber German Zeitgeberbor. English zeitgeber Borrowed from German Zeitgeber.

Example Sentences

• "Thus, while light is the most reliable and thus the primary zeitgeber, there are many factors that can be used in addition to, or in the absence of, daylight."