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. Compare anabolism, catabolism.
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

   iodine metabolism

   carbohydrate metabolism

metabolism

/ mĭ-tăb′ə-lĭz′əm /

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.

Notes

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

Derived Forms

• ˌmetaˈbolically, adverb
• metabolic, adjective

Other Words From

• hyper·me·tabo·lism noun

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

While adding extra sugar may be tasty, it's not necessarily good for metabolism.

From Salon

A University of California, Riverside, mouse study published in Archives of Toxicology reports that probiotic supplementation can reduce the negative impacts of PBDEs on neurodevelopment, behavior, and metabolism.

From Science Daily

Liver cells experience cellular stress when metabolism goes awry or when they become infected.

From Science Daily

"This highlights sphingolipid metabolism as a key node in the progression of cardiovascular disease driven by specific dietary fats."

From Science Daily

"Likewise, a hot period after application could supercharge plant metabolism and neutralize the herbicide faster, rendering it less effective."

From Science Daily

Related Words

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