basal metabolism

noun

Physiology.

1. the minimal amount of energy necessary to maintain respiration, circulation, and other vital body functions while fasting and at total rest.

basal metabolism

noun

1. the amount of energy required by an individual in the resting state, for such functions as breathing and circulation of the blood See basal metabolic rate

basal metabolism

1. The rate at which an inactive, resting organism expends energy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of basal metabolism¹

First recorded in 1910–15