basal metabolism

American  

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 British  

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 Cultural  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of basal metabolism

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The relationship between basal metabolism and weight is complicated, however, Pontzer says.

From Scientific American • Jun. 14, 2023

“That’s another contributor to your overall energy expenditure, in addition to basal metabolism and active energy expenditure.”

From Scientific American • Jun. 14, 2023

Its hormones regulate basal metabolism, oxygen use, nutrient metabolism, the production of ATP, and calcium homeostasis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

De Mont had had an appointment with a doctor that morning to take a basal metabolism test.

From Time Magazine Archive

Graham, quoted on minimal cost of food, 190–194; experiments by, to ascertain basal metabolism of body, 196.

From How to Live Rules for Healthful Living Based on Modern Science by Fisher, Irving