metabolism

[muh-tab-uh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. 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.

2. any basic process of organic functioning or operating.

   changes in the country's economic metabolism.

metabolism

/ ˌmɛtəˈbɒlɪk, mɪˈtæbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

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

2. the sum total of the chemical processes affecting a particular substance in the body

   carbohydrate metabolism

   iodine metabolism

metabolism

1. 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.

2. See more at cellular respiration

metabolism

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

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

Other Word Forms

• hypermetabolism noun
• metabolically adverb
• metabolic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metabolism¹

First recorded in 1875–80; from Greek metabol(ḗ) “change” (from meta- meta- + bolḗ “a throw”) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of metabolism¹

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

Example Sentences

She is also a member of the cancer institute's cancer pharmacology and cancer metabolism and immunology research programs.

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Endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, showed signs of accelerated aging, including reduced energy metabolism and increased senescence markers.

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"By targeting fructose metabolism, we may be able to break this cycle and develop new treatments for both alcohol addiction and liver disease."

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"Believe it or not, most of the central ideas and types of metabolism we study are conserved from worms to people," said Leiser.

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Remarkably, giving betaine alone created many of the same benefits as training, including better metabolism, improved cognitive function, reduced depressive-like behavior in older mice, and lower inflammation across the body.

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Related Words

• body 
• existence 
• growth 
• living 
• man 
• person 
• soul 
• survival 
• woman