metabolize

especially British, me·tab·o·lise

[muh-tab-uh-lahyz]

verb (used with or without object)

metabolized, metabolizing 

1. to subject to metabolism; change by metabolism.

metabolize

/ mɪˈtæbəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to bring about or subject to metabolism

metabolize

1. To subject a substance to metabolism or produce a substance by metabolism.

Other Word Forms

• metabolizability noun
• metabolizable adjective
• metabolizer noun
• unmetabolized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metabolize¹

First recorded in 1885–90; metabol(ism) + -ize

Example Sentences

Microorganisms drive nearly every step of these processes, using substances like sulfur and iron for respiration in much the same way humans rely on oxygen to metabolize food.

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Side effects could be more severe for older adults, who metabolize medicine differently than younger people.

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The team also examined how NK cells functioned and metabolized energy in response to inflammation.

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People in this age group face higher risks of overdose because many manage chronic illnesses, take multiple medications, and metabolize drugs more slowly as they age.

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Using a fluorescent heat sensor they developed, the researchers found that when ACOX2 metabolized certain fatty acids, brown fat cells got hotter.

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