steady state (s, ss) /sted″ē/ [AS, stedefast, firm in its place; L, status, condition] , a basic physiological concept implying that the various forces and processes of life are in a state of homeostasis. Living organisms are in constant flux, working to balance the internal and external environments in an effort to prevent a deficiency or an excess that might cause illness. Steady state is a complete state of well-being involving total adaptation.
