metabolism
noun
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.
metabolisms
-
pluralof metabolism.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The higher temperatures promote algae growth by allowing their metabolisms to shift into overdrive.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 20, 2026
While mice and humans have different metabolisms, these findings may point to new therapeutic approaches or diet recommendations to help control cancer growth.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2025
Smaller animals also typically require more nutrient-dense food than larger ones, because they have faster metabolisms and consume more energy per unit of body mass.
From Salon ● Dec. 30, 2024
The authors also contest Herculano-Houzel's assumption that one can predict different dinosaurs' metabolisms, aging rates and other life history traits based on the existing data.
From Salon ● May 4, 2024
We really can't blame the crocodiles for their metabolisms.
From The Forest Monster of Oz by Evans, Bob
