metabolic

[met-uh-bol-ik]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affected by metabolism.

2. undergoing metamorphosis.

Other Word Forms

• metabolically adverb
• hypermetabolic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metabolic¹

First recorded in 1735–45; from Greek metabolikós “changeable,” from metabol(ḗ) “change” + -ikos -ic; metabolism

Example Sentences

That runs counter to the popular belief - supported by short-term studies lasting only a few months to a year - that time-restricted eating improves heart and metabolic health.

From BBC

These markers are key indicators of diabetes control and overall metabolic health.

From BBC

Rates of metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure — increased from 26% of people, to nearly 38%.

From Los Angeles Times

Louise Thomas, professor of metabolic imaging at the University of Westminster, says it is "completely transforming" how she and other researchers do their jobs.

From BBC

Last month, his family announced a new Michael Mosley Memorial Research Fund, which will help to appoint a dedicated research scientist to help improve the metabolic health of the nation.

From BBC

When To Use

What does metabolic mean?

Metabolic describes something that is related to or is affected by metabolism, as in Dr. Petrov discovered the patient’s illness had metabolic causes.Your metabolism is the sum of the physical and chemical processes in your body needed to sustain life by producing energy. In humans, metabolism involves a large number of different organs and tissues. For this reason, the word metabolic is frequently used in medicine, nutrition, and other health sciences to discuss the digestive system, circulatory system, and other bodily processes.Example: While studying the birds, the researchers conducted intense studies of the animals’ metabolic rate increases during prolonged flights.