zeitgeber

Definition

Any external cue or signal that synchronizes an organism's biological rhythms to the 24-hour day-night cycle, with light being the strongest and most common example. The term is used in chronobiology to describe environmental time-keepers.

Example Usage

The sudden shift in work schedule disrupted her circadian rhythm by removing the primary zeitgeber of morning sunlight.

Origin

From German: 'zeit' (time) + 'geber' (giver), literally 'time-giver.'

Fun Fact

Even without external zeitgebers, humans maintain roughly 24-hour cycles, but exposure to light is essential for precise synchronization.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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