zeitgeberhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zeitgeber_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezeitgeber, n.
Revised 2018

zeitgebernoun

Physiology.
  1. 1958–
    An agent or rhythmically occurring event, esp. an environmental influence, which acts as a cue in the regulation of an organism's circadian rhythms.
    1. 1958
      They are, to use Aschoff's phrase, the principal Zeitgeber.
      Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences U.S.A. vol. 44 966
    2. 1964
      The change of light and dark or alternations of high and low temperatures have a synchronizing effect on the endodiurnal rhythm; they function as ‘Zeitgeber’ (cues, synchronizers).
      E. Bünning, Physiol. Clock ii. 9
    3. 1975
      It is clear that pentobarbital can be a very strong zeitgeber.
      Science 20 June 1214/3
    4. 1983
      The same ‘zeitgebers’ can have opposite effects, depending on what point in the circadian cycle they are consumed or experienced.
      Washington Post 1 April d5/6
    5. 2015
      Other zeitgebers include exercise, food, and social activities.
      R. B. Berry & M. H. Wagner, Sleep Med. Pearls (ed. 3) xl. 626/2

zeitgeber, n. was revised in June 2018.

zeitgeber, n. was last modified in July 2023.