metabolism

[muh-tab-uh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. Biology, Physiology.,  the sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available.

2. any basic process of organic functioning or operating.

   changes in the country's economic metabolism.

metabolism

/ ˌmɛtəˈbɒlɪk, mɪˈtæbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the sum total of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms, resulting in growth, production of energy, elimination of waste material, etc See anabolism basal metabolism catabolism

2. the sum total of the chemical processes affecting a particular substance in the body

   carbohydrate metabolism

   iodine metabolism

metabolism

1. The chemical processes by which cells produce the substances and energy needed to sustain life. As part of metabolism, organic compounds are broken down to provide heat and energy in the process called catabolism. Simpler molecules are also used to build more complex compounds like proteins for growth and repair of tissues as part of anabolism. Many metabolic processes are brought about by the action of enzymes. The overall speed at which an organism carries out its metabolic processes is termed its metabolic rate (or, when the organism is at rest, its basal metabolic rate). Birds, for example, have a high metabolic rate, since they are warm-blooded, and their usual method of locomotion, flight, requires large amounts of energy. Accordingly, birds usually need large amounts of high-quality, energy-rich foods such as seeds or meat, which they must eat frequently.

2. See more at cellular respiration

metabolism

1. The total of the chemical reactions that maintain the life of a living thing.

In humans, metabolism is related to the intake and use of food; persons with a high metabolism can eat more without gaining weight.

Other Word Forms

• hypermetabolism noun
• metabolically adverb
• metabolic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metabolism¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Greek metabol(ḗ) “change” (from meta- meta- + bolḗ “a throw”) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of metabolism¹

C19: from Greek metabolē change, from metaballein to change, from _meta- + ballein to throw

Example Sentences

It also affects metabolism and helps regulate energy balance.

From BBC

Research suggests that extending the overnight fast may improve metabolism, aid cellular repair and perhaps even prolong life.

From BBC

Conflict and abuse generated high ratings in the short term, but the show was terrible for contestants’ long-term health: A 2016 study found that its extreme methods destroyed contestants’ metabolism.

From Salon

The series explores the extreme challenges contestants faced, including rapid weight-loss regimens, high-intensity workouts, and psychological pressure, while examining the lasting consequences on their metabolism and overall well-being.

From Salon

Muscle mass is like the main driver of our metabolism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• body 
• existence 
• growth 
• living 
• man 
• person 
• soul 
• survival 
• woman