definitions

metabolic

[ met-uh-bol-ik ]
/ ˌmɛt əˈbɒl ɪk /

adjective

of, relating to, or affected by metabolism.
undergoing metamorphosis.

Nearby words

meta-dichlorobenzene, meta-ethics, metabasis, metabiosis, metabisulfite test, metabolic, metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, metabolic coma, metabolic craniopathy, metabolic equivalent

Origin of metabolic

1735–45; < Greek metabolikós changeable, equivalent to metabol(ḗ) (see metabolism) + -ikos -ic
Related formsmet·a·bol·i·cal·ly, adverbhy·per·met·a·bol·ic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Word Origin and History for hypermetabolic

metabolic

adj.

1845 in biological sense, from German metabolisch (1839), from Greek metabolikos "changeable," from metabole "a change, changing, a transition" (see metabolism). Used earlier in a general sense of "involving change" (1743). Related: Metabolically.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for hypermetabolic

metabolic

[ mĕt′ə-bŏl′ĭk ]

adj.

Of, relating to, or resulting from metabolism.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.