metabolism

[ muh-tab-uh-liz-uhm ]

/ məˈtæb əˌlɪz əm /

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noun

Biology, Physiology. the sum of the physical and chemical processes in an organism by which its material substance is produced, maintained, and destroyed, and by which energy is made available.Compare anabolism, catabolism.

any basic process of organic functioning or operating: changes in the country's economic metabolism.

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Origin of metabolism

1875–80; <Greek metabol(ḗ) change (meta-meta- + bolḗ a throw) + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM metabolism

hy·per·me·tab·o·lism, noun

Words nearby metabolism

metabolic craniopathy, metabolic equivalent, metabolic heat, metabolic pathway, metabolic syndrome, metabolism, metabolite, metabolize, metabolome, metabolomics, metaboly

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use metabolism in a sentence

Extended time sitting and not moving around leads to changes in the body’s metabolism.
Healthy screen time is one challenge of distance learning|Kathryn Hulick|September 11, 2020|Science News For Students
It shows that energy metabolism is probably more flexible than previously appreciated.
By Losing Genes, Life Often Evolved More Complexity|Viviane Callier|September 1, 2020|Quanta Magazine
Some of the new work’s estimates of the geographic distribution of aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms, for instance, don’t entirely align with previous findings, he says.
‘Zombie’ Microbes Redefine Life’s Energy Limits|Jordana Cepelewicz|August 12, 2020|Quanta Magazine
Their findings dovetail with a stream of previous reports that have linked oxidation and insufficient sleep, in particular those of Everson, who grew interested in metabolism while in Rechtschaffen’s lab.
Why Sleep Deprivation Kills|Veronique Greenwood|June 4, 2020|Quanta Magazine

Those looking to understand the fundamental purpose of sleep rarely seek answers in metabolism or other chemical processes.
Why Sleep Deprivation Kills|Veronique Greenwood|June 4, 2020|Quanta Magazine
And, according to some research, higher insulin levels have been shown to suppress fat metabolism by up to 22 percent.
Does Fasted Cardio Really Burn More Fat?|DailyBurn|August 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Now, sure, our metabolism slows as we grow older, but you can keep the weight off by eating right.
Bruce Springsteen’s Bond Moment: The Boss’ Body Beautiful at 64|Tim Teeman|July 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Cool OffIn addition to freshening up your face and body, showers can help stimulate the circulatory system and metabolism.
Short on Zzz’s? 15 Research-Backed Sleep Hacks|DailyBurn|May 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Codeine should not have been prescribed for these patients because its metabolism in children varies widely from person to person.
Codeine Still Widely Prescribed to Kids Despite Decades-Old Warnings|Russell Saunders|April 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Because of the wide variability in codeine metabolism, its use as a cough suppressant is not recommended.
Codeine Still Widely Prescribed to Kids Despite Decades-Old Warnings|Russell Saunders|April 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is the principal waste-product of metabolism, and constitutes about one-half of all the solids excreted—about 30 gm.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Other factors being equal, the amount of urea indicates the activity of metabolism.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
In disease, the amount of solids depends mainly upon the activity of metabolism and the ability of the kidneys to excrete.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Leading physiologists quite generally agree that phosphorus in the form of glycerophosphates influences metabolism very little.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2|Various
There is no proof that the hypophosphites enter into general metabolism or affect disease processes in any way.
The Propaganda for Reform in Proprietary Medicines, Vol. 1 of 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for metabolism

metabolism

/ (mɪˈtæbəˌlɪzəm) /

noun

the sum total of the chemical processes that occur in living organisms, resulting in growth, production of energy, elimination of waste material, etcSee anabolism, basal metabolism, catabolism

the sum total of the chemical processes affecting a particular substance in the bodycarbohydrate metabolism; iodine metabolism

Derived forms of metabolism

metabolic (ˌmɛtəˈbɒlɪk), adjectivemetabolically, adverb

Word Origin for metabolism

C19: from Greek metabolē change, from metaballein to change, from meta- + ballein to throw

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 metabolism

metabolism

[ mĭ-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm ]

The complex of physical and chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for the maintenance of life. In metabolism some substances are broken down to yield energy for vital processes while other substances, necessary for life, are synthesized.

The functioning of a specific substance, such as water, within the living body.

Scientific definitions for metabolism

metabolism

[ mĭ-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm ]

The chemical processes by which cells produce the substances and energy needed to sustain life. As part of metabolism, organic compounds are broken down to provide heat and energy in the process called catabolism. Simpler molecules are also used to build more complex compounds like proteins for growth and repair of tissues as part of anabolism. Many metabolic processes are brought about by the action of enzymes. The overall speed at which an organism carries out its metabolic processes is termed its metabolic rate (or, when the organism is at rest, its basal metabolic rate). Birds, for example, have a high metabolic rate, since they are warm-blooded, and their usual method of locomotion, flight, requires large amounts of energy. Accordingly, birds usually need large amounts of high-quality, energy-rich foods such as seeds or meat, which they must eat frequently. See more at cellular respiration.

Other words from metabolism

metabolic adjective (mĕt′ə-bŏl′ĭk)

Cultural definitions for metabolism

metabolism

[ (muh-tab-uh-liz-uhm) ]

The total of the chemical reactions that maintain the life of a living thing.

notes for metabolism

In humans, metabolism is related to the intake and use of food; persons with a high metabolism can eat more without gaining weight.

metabolism

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Origin of metabolism

OTHER WORDS FROM metabolism

Words nearby metabolism

Words related to metabolism

How to use metabolism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for metabolism

Derived forms of metabolism

Word Origin for metabolism

Medical definitions for metabolism

Scientific definitions for metabolism

Other words from metabolism

Cultural definitions for metabolism

notes for metabolism