basal metabolism
noun Physiology.
the minimal amount of energy necessary to maintain respiration, circulation, and other vital body functions while fasting and at total rest.
Words nearby basal metabolism
basal granule, basal joint reflex, basal lamina, basal layer, basal metabolic rate, basal metabolism, basal reader, basal ridge, basal rod, basal vein, basal-cell nevus syndrome
Origin of basal metabolism
First recorded in 1910–15
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for basal metabolism
basal metabolism
noun
the amount of energy required by an individual in the resting state, for such functions as breathing and circulation of the bloodSee basal metabolic rate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for basal metabolism
basal metabolism
n.
The minimum amount of energy required to maintain vital functions in an organism at complete rest, measured by the basal metabolic rate in a fasting individual.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cultural definitions for basal metabolism
basal metabolism
[ (bay-suhl, bay-zuhl muh-tab-uh-liz-uhm) ]
The rate at which an inactive, resting organism expends energy.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.